Succulents
Succulents Plant & Care Guide
← Species • Family: Aizoaceae 🐾 Pet-Safe

Baboon's Bottom / Silver Living Rock (Argyroderma delaetii)

Argyroderma delaetii

Baboon's Bottom / Silver Living Rock (Argyroderma delaetii)

Endemic to the quartz gravel plains of the Knersvlakte in South Africa, Argyroderma delaetii consists of a single pair of smooth, rounded, silver-grey to bluish fleshy leaves parted by a central fissure. Mimicking the pale quartz stones among which it naturally grows, it exhibits magnificent crypsis until autumn, when vibrant daisy-like flowers emerge in shades of magenta, purple, yellow, or white. Highly adapted to arid environments, it is exceptionally prone to splitting if overwatered.

📋 Core Botanical Care Parameters

☀️ Light Requirements

Requires full sun to very bright direct sunlight for at least 5-6 hours daily; insufficient light causes unnatural elongation and loss of the silvery coloration.

💧 Watering Frequency

Never water while the old leaf pair is still absorbing; water sparingly using a soak-and-dry approach only during active autumn growth, and keep strictly dry during winter dormancy.

🏺 Soil Mix

70% inorganic grit/quartz gravel/pumice + 30% cactus compost; extremely fast-draining and mineral-heavy substrate.

❄️ Cold Tolerance

-2°C (USDA Zone 9b); must be protected from hard frost and kept cool and completely dry during cold periods.

🌱 Propagation Method

Propagation primarily by seeds sown in spring on fine mineral mix, or very occasionally by careful division of multi-headed clusters.

🐾 Pet Safety

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs and safe for pet-friendly homes.

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Golden Rule:

Never water until at least 80% of soil is completely dry!

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Living Pebble (Conophytum bilobum) 🐾 Pet-Safe Aizoaceae
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Living Pebble (Conophytum bilobum)

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Botanical Tip of the Day Verified Botanical Fact

When propagating leaves, keep them on dry soil and mist lightly only once roots emerge. 🌱