Cheridopsis

🌿 Cheridopsis (Bokvygie)
Family: Aizoaceae
Origin: Namaqualand & the Karoo, South Africa
🌱 Description
Cheridopsis (pronounced keh-ree-DOP-sis) are small, low-growing succulents forming dense mats or clumps.
The name comes from Greek, meaning “hand-like appearance,” referring to their paired, finger-like leaves.
Leaves are typically grey-green to bluish, sometimes with a waxy or velvety surface that helps reflect sunlight.
Many species have beautiful daisy-like flowers — often yellow, orange, or purple — that open in the warm midday sun during late winter or spring.
🌞 Care Guide
Light: Loves full sun or very bright light. Too little light can make the plant stretch and lose color.
Water: Water sparingly — especially in summer when many species go dormant. Best to water lightly during autumn and winter, their active growing season.
Soil: Needs excellent drainage — sandy or gritty soil is ideal.
Temperature: Prefers cool, dry winters and hot, dry summers. Protect from frost.
Fertilizer: Use a low-nitrogen cactus/succulent feed once during active growth.
🌸 Blooming
Blooms typically in late winter to early spring.
Flowers are large relative to the plant, often with a sweet fragrance, and attract pollinators.
🪴 Propagation
Easily propagated from seed or division.
After flowering, allow seed capsules to dry before collecting.
⚠️ Tips
Avoid overwatering — these are true desert dwellers.
Excellent for rock gardens, shallow pots, or miniature succulent displays.
Some species, like Cheridopsis candidissima or Cheridopsis denticulata, are particularly prized for their silvery foliage and showy blooms.