Lenophyllum guttatum is an attractive, perennial succulent up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The leaves are in opposite pairs on non-flowering shoots, crowded together, boat-shaped, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long, olive green-grey, grayish-pink or light green and covered with fine, black-brown or black-purple dots and stripes. The flowering stems are terminal, up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall, pinkish with scattered alternate leaves, branched towards apex with 5 to 12, green-yellow flowers.

How to Grow and Care

Like most desert plants, Lenophyllum is drought-tolerant and does not tolerate wet soils, especially in winter. Its small tufted habit makes Lenophyllum a great plant for a southwestern-themed rock garden or container. And of course, they are great plants for green roofs. Once established, it will produce stalks with small yellow flowers.

The repotting is not very practiced because it is likely to lose the ornamental aspect of the plant. Being small plants, however, is generally not necessary. Pruning is generally limited to the elimination of damaged parts.

Plants of the genus Lenophyllum multiply well by seed, by cuttings or by division of the bushes.

Growing Conditions

Light: Always cultivate in full light, whether the plant grows in a greenhouse or outdoors.
Water: Water abundantly from spring to late summer, gradually decrease the amount of water with the arrival of autumn until suspend it during the winter.
Temperature: Do not leave it at temperatures below 40°F (5°C) during winter time.
Soil: It can grow well even in fertile soils if well drained.
Fertilizer: During summer it is recommended to use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks.