Light Requirements: Prefers bright, direct sunlight and thrives in full sun. Indoors, place it in a south-facing window or under grow lights to maintain its compact shape and textured leaf patterns.
Watering Needs: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. This plant is highly drought-tolerant and should be watered very sparingly in the summer dormancy period. Resume moderate watering in the fall and winter when it is actively growing.
Soil Preference: Requires a sharply draining, mineral-rich cactus mix. Amend with plenty of pumice, perlite, or coarse sand to avoid water retention and replicate its native rocky habitat.
How to Fertilize: Fertilize lightly in fall and winter (its active growth season) using a diluted, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer once every 4–6 weeks. Do not fertilize during summer dormancy.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11. It is not frost-hardy and should be kept indoors or in a greenhouse in cooler climates.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to grow around pets.
Additional Care Tips: Titanopsis calcareum is a compact, slow-growing succulent with warty, camouflage-like leaf tips that blend into gravel. It may produce small yellow flowers in late fall or winter. Avoid handling it frequently, as the textured surface can be delicate. Propagate from seed or division. Ensure excellent airflow to prevent rot, and avoid overhead watering, especially in humid climates.
