Pleiospilos nelii - Split Rock [large]
SKU:S3KY5566
-
Secure Transaction:
- Verified by Trust Guard
-
Free Shipping
- on succulent orders over $59! (cont. US)
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Have a question? Ask Us!Product Details
Highlights
Split Rock (Pleiospilos nelii): A grey-green mesemb that actually grows well on a window sill! These unusual-looking succulents have thick, egg-shaped leaves with sharp, angular lines where leaf pairs meet. Its pattern of neat, pinpoint speckles helps it camouflage against blocks of granite in its native South African habitats. This plant is fully rooted in a 3.5" pot.
Split rocks are adapted to arid conditions and will not tolerate low-light or over-watering. They need rapidly draining mineral soil (80% mineral grit, 20% organic soil) and a deep, narrow pot with a drainage hole. Plants can be watered deeply in spring and fall, but only if the soil is dry and the inner leaf pair starts to feel soft. These plants are very susceptible to rot and should be left fairly dry in the summer and winter.
As split rocks grow, new leaf pairs emerge in the center. Allow the outer leaf pair to dry and shed as its stored water is used to sustain the new growth. Limp, wrinkled outer leaves are not necessarily a sign that the plant needs water. Use the firmness of the inner leaf pair to determine if your plant needs water. This plant can produce large, daisy-shaped golden blooms that open in the afternoon and close by nightfall.
Product Size
3.5" Pot
Current Primary Color
Blue / Blue-green
Bloom Color
Yellow Bloom
Grow Zone (Hardiness)
Zone 10 (30F)
Recommended Light Conditions
Bright Indoor Light, Full Sun
Maximum Height
3"-5"
Maximum Rosette Size
3"-4"
Growth Habit / Shape
Clumping / Mounding
Special Characteristic
Pet Safe, Slow Grower, Showy Blooms
THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+
10
WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?
Videos
Questions & Answers
Popular Questions
• Staff Answer
Overwintering just means to keep a plant alive over the course of a winter.
• Staff Answer
That depends on what you mean by "a little above the soil".
You want to make sure the root ball is completely covered by soil. If the lowermost leaves of the rosette get some dirt on them, it's not the end of the world. As long as you don't over water, they should be fine.
You want to make sure the root ball is completely covered by soil. If the lowermost leaves of the rosette get some dirt on them, it's not the end of the world. As long as you don't over water, they should be fine.
• Staff Answer
Hello there!
You're going to be better off pulling the whole dead rosette out by the base. That will give room to the remaining chicks to fill that hole with their own chicks.
You're going to be better off pulling the whole dead rosette out by the base. That will give room to the remaining chicks to fill that hole with their own chicks.
• Staff Answer
The fast draining, gritty soil is a good start! My only concerns are for your soil pH and sun exposure.
Sempervivum can grow in full sun, but they need to be acclimated to it first. Give them a few hours of exposure to the direct sun, then move them into shade for the rest of the day. Repeat this process, steadily adding or removing an hour or so as needed, until the plants can take the direct sunlight all day.
Soil pH is a different matter. The soil in the crevasses where Sempervivum grow in the wild are very acidic, even down to 4.5. Even S. calcareum, despite their alkaline tolerance, was found to grow in acidic soil. The point being that a slightly acidic soil is far better than an alkaline one for any Sempervivum. However, these plants are tough and a little alkalinity certainly won't kill them. They'll just grow faster and stay healthier in a slightly acidic soil.
Sempervivum can grow in full sun, but they need to be acclimated to it first. Give them a few hours of exposure to the direct sun, then move them into shade for the rest of the day. Repeat this process, steadily adding or removing an hour or so as needed, until the plants can take the direct sunlight all day.
Soil pH is a different matter. The soil in the crevasses where Sempervivum grow in the wild are very acidic, even down to 4.5. Even S. calcareum, despite their alkaline tolerance, was found to grow in acidic soil. The point being that a slightly acidic soil is far better than an alkaline one for any Sempervivum. However, these plants are tough and a little alkalinity certainly won't kill them. They'll just grow faster and stay healthier in a slightly acidic soil.
• Staff Answer
Hello there!
Sempervivum are very hardy plants. They contain small packets of bad tasting chemicals, that deter deer and rabbits from nibbling on them. However, I do not believe this works on javelina.
We do not have Javelina this far north but, from what I read, they will eat anything. This includes Sempervivum.
I believe your best course of action is to invest in an electric fence, as you can't shoot them until a certain season.
You could also consider cactus or Euphorbia, which they won't eat due to the spines and poison. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful but… See full answer »
Sempervivum are very hardy plants. They contain small packets of bad tasting chemicals, that deter deer and rabbits from nibbling on them. However, I do not believe this works on javelina.
We do not have Javelina this far north but, from what I read, they will eat anything. This includes Sempervivum.
I believe your best course of action is to invest in an electric fence, as you can't shoot them until a certain season.
You could also consider cactus or Euphorbia, which they won't eat due to the spines and poison. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful but… See full answer »
• Staff Answer
If you want to pot them individually, a 3"-4" diameter pot is ideal. But you can also plant groups of Sempervivum together in wider pots. Aim for pots that are 5" or shallower, so that they don't hold too much water.
• Staff Answer
They are ideal for the outdoors. You can get them to survive indoors near a sunny, south-facing window or under a strong grow light, but even then they'll often languish and stretch.
Sempervivum are happiest and healthiest when they get lots of sunshine, gritty soil, great airflow, and cold nights and winters.
If you want that Sempervivum look, but indoors, I would recommend Echeveria or Aeonium. Theyhave a rosette shape, but handle sunny, indoor growing better.
I hope this helps!
I hope this helps!
• Staff Answer
Good question, but I have some bad news. This sounds like the symptoms of root rot caused by overwatering. You may just be watering too often, but it could also be that the soil you're using retains too much of its water.
Regardless, the first step you should take is allowing the soil to dry completely. I'm going to post a link here that will take you to our FAQ section that deals with rot more thoroughly. I hope this helps and I hope your plant recovers!
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs...
Regardless, the first step you should take is allowing the soil to dry completely. I'm going to post a link here that will take you to our FAQ section that deals with rot more thoroughly. I hope this helps and I hope your plant recovers!
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs...
• Staff Answer
The main difference, from a care standpoint, is hardiness. Sempervivum can survive temperatures to -20°F or even -30°F. Meanwhile, Echeveria shouldn't even freeze.
From a taxonomic standpoint, the main difference is that they're in different genera, although they belong to the same family. This is quite significant and means that these plants, although they look similar, are not the same. Sempervivum rosettes, for instance, die after they flower while Echeveria do not. Semepervivum blooms have petals that spread wide like a daisy's petals, while Echeveria have petals that form a tube. Sempervivum are native to Europe and the Mediterranean, while Echeveria are native to central America.
However, they do share one thing in common. They're both charming rosette plants that are adored the world over. Click the link below to watch a video that explains the differences further… See full answer »
From a taxonomic standpoint, the main difference is that they're in different genera, although they belong to the same family. This is quite significant and means that these plants, although they look similar, are not the same. Sempervivum rosettes, for instance, die after they flower while Echeveria do not. Semepervivum blooms have petals that spread wide like a daisy's petals, while Echeveria have petals that form a tube. Sempervivum are native to Europe and the Mediterranean, while Echeveria are native to central America.
However, they do share one thing in common. They're both charming rosette plants that are adored the world over. Click the link below to watch a video that explains the differences further… See full answer »
• Staff Answer
That depends on many different factors.
How much sunlight are they getting?
How much will you water them?
What's their soil like? Does it drain water well or does it tend to absorb water?
Are you fertilizing them? If so, how often and with what nutrients?
The answer to these questions and more will determine how fast your plants grow.
How much sunlight are they getting?
How much will you water them?
What's their soil like? Does it drain water well or does it tend to absorb water?
Are you fertilizing them? If so, how often and with what nutrients?
The answer to these questions and more will determine how fast your plants grow.
Customers Also Viewed
Shipping info
- Shipping Days: Monday, Tuesday
- Same Week Shipping Cut-off: Monday 11:59PM PT
- Delivery Days: Usually the following Thursday or Friday
- Delivery Date Requests: Use the comments box during checkout
- Why don't we ship every day? This schedule avoids weekend delays and helps us ensure the plants are delivered fresh
Click here for more shipping and ordering info.
WHY MOUNTAIN CREST GARDENS?
- Customers Love Us: Thousands of 5-star reviews on Shopper Approved
- Licensed California Succulent Nursery: Most online sellers are just marketers and re-sellers; we're the real deal
- Family Owned & Operated: Growing and shipping beautiful succulents since 1995
- Experienced Customer Service: Our friendly onsite staff are happy to help via phone or email
- Plant Names Included: Reusable mini stakes or ID legends list varieties and their minimum temperature tolerances
- Every Order is Handpicked: Our employees care about your order - they love succulents as much as you do
- Environmentally Friendly: Recyclable packaging; minimal spraying and treatments
- Quality Guaranteed: Worry-free online shopping experience
Featured in:
Customer
Photos
Customer Reviews
We're currently collecting product reviews for this item. In the meantime, here are some reviews from our past customers sharing their overall shopping experience.
4.8
Out of 5.0
Overall Rating
96%
of customers that buyfrom this merchant give
them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
April 25, 2025 by Gertrude C. (Nevada, United States)
“I saw your company on Garden Answer. Your products are great quality and the price is great.”
Product Choice
Good quality and good price.
Merchant Choice
Saw you on Garden Answer
April 23, 2025 by Jennifer L. (Michigan , United States)
“I ordered once before and liked the cactus and thought i would come back and buy more.”
Product Choice
I like plants that are hard to kill but also really pretty.
Merchant Choice
I ordered once before from you guys (and also another place) i feel like your plant(s) have held up really well.
April 23, 2025 by lois B. (tn, United States)
“im always satisfied, they arrive in a timely manner, the assortment is wonderful, they are shipped in a way that is effective, and the customer service is great”
Product Choice
Im a recent widower and I started collecting these plants to have something to focus on besides my grief
Merchant Choice
price, shipping, and variety
