Wrinkled rock plant Plant Care
Rhytidocaulon baricum Thulin
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rhytidocaulon baricum is a unique succulent known for its wrinkled, almost paper-like leaves that give it a distinct appearance. This plant originates from rocky areas in Madagascar and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unusual leaf texture and low maintenance requirements.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Wrinkled rock plant?
Water Wrinkled rock plant every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Wrinkled rock plant?
Wrinkled rock plant (Rhytidocaulon baricum) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Rhytidocaulon genus. Wrinkled rock plant is native to Madagascar.
Wrinkled rock plant displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Wrinkled rock plant produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wrinkled rock plant?
Rhytidocaulon baricum requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wrinkled rock plant Need?
Wrinkled rock plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wrinkled rock plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wrinkled rock plant Prefer?
Rhytidocaulon baricum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Wrinkled rock plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wrinkled rock plant?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Wrinkled rock plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wrinkled rock plant?
Feed Wrinkled rock plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Wrinkled rock plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Wrinkled rock plant?
Wrinkled rock plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to desert cabbage plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wrinkled rock plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wrinkled rock plant?
Wrinkled rock plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wrinkled rock plant Need?
Wrinkled rock plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Wrinkled rock plant is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Wrinkled rock plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Wrinkled rock plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Rhytidocaulon genus — compare its care with other Rhytidocaulon species on PlantoScan.
Rhytidocaulon is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Wrinkled rock plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rhytidocaulon baricum Thulin, family Apocynaceae (first published in Nordic J. Bot. 23: 533 (2005)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Wrinkled rock plant is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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