The Pleiospilos Royal Flush is a stemless succulent plant with very fleshy oval-shaped leaves arranged alternately in pairs, with their bases fused together, giving the entire plant a shape resembling ancient Chinese ingots. The leaves have bluntly rounded outer margins, a relatively flat surface, and are convex on the back. They are red or purplish-red in color, with numerous light blackish spots. As new leaves emerge, the lower older leaves slowly wither and dry up, so the plant always maintains 1 to 3 pairs of opposite leaves.
Its flowers have short stems, with a diameter of about 4-6 centimeters, emerging from the midline between two leaves. The flowers are purplish-red, with slightly lighter-colored centers, blooming in spring. Generally, each plant only produces one flower, but when clustered, the flowering display can be quite spectacular. However, clusters of Pleiospilos Royal Flush are rare. They open in the afternoon when sunlight is abundant and close at night, lasting for about 3-5 days. If there is insufficient light due to overcast or rainy weather, they may have difficulty blooming. Cross-pollination occurs with flowers of different plants, and Pleiospilos Royal Flush is not easy to cluster. It goes dormant in summer and resumes growth in other seasons.
The shedding period of Pleiospilos Royal Flush can be relatively long, extending throughout the entire growth season. During shedding, exposure to sunlight and minimal watering are required. Care should be taken to avoid sunburn. Shedding involves the gradual drying up of old skin on the outside, providing nutrients to new plants. New leaves and old leaves can grow simultaneously.
Temperature and Light: Pleiospilos Royal Flush prefers sunlight but goes dormant in high temperatures in summer. It grows in other seasons and is not tolerant of excessive sun exposure. It's essential to provide shade during hot summer temperatures, and maintenance should be carried out in bright, shaded areas. In winter, avoid excessively low temperatures to prevent frost damage. If conditions allow, indoor maintenance near sunny windows is recommended.
Watering: Due to the long shedding period of Pleiospilos Royal Flush, which can extend throughout the entire growth season, less watering is needed during shedding, with more exposure to sunlight. During the rainy summer season, water should be strictly controlled to prevent root rot caused by excessive water accumulation. Minimal watering is sufficient during low winter temperatures.
Soil: Pleiospilos Royal Flush requires well-draining and breathable soil. A suitable mixture consists of perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite, in proportions of approximately 1:1:1.
Propagation: Pleiospilos Royal Flush can be propagated through seeding.