The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek words “lenos”, meaning “trough”, and “phyllos”, meaning “leaf”.
In the wild, Lenophyllum grows close to the ground, creating mats of stems and leaves. However, it is not widely cultivated and as a result Lenophyllum is still fairly rare in retail markets. The most common species in the United States is Lenophyllum texanum, commonly known as Texas Sedum.
Growing Conditions
Light: Always cultivate in full light, whether the plant grows in a greenhouse or outdoors.
Water: Water abundantly from spring to late summer, gradually decrease the amount of water with the arrival of autumn until suspend it during the winter.
Temperature: Do not leave it at temperatures below 40°F (5°C) during winter time.
Soil: It can grow well even in fertile soils if well drained.
Fertilizer: During summer it is recommended to use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks.
General Care
Like most desert plants, Lenophyllum is drought-tolerant and does not tolerate wet soils, especially in winter. Its small tufted habit makes Lenophyllum a great plant for a southwestern-themed rock garden or container. And of course, they are great plants for green roofs. Once established, it will produce stalks with small yellow flowers.
The repotting is not very practiced because it is likely to lose the ornamental aspect of the plant. Being small plants, however, is generally not necessary. Pruning is generally limited to the elimination of damaged parts.
Propagation
Plants of the genus Lenophyllum multiply well by seed, by cuttings or by division of the bushes.
Lenophyllum is easy to propagate by simply sticking a leaf in a pot of soil. The leaf will root in and start growing with little care.
Sow at a temperature of 66 to 75 °F (19 to 24 °C), using a damp mix and damp sand in a shaded area and be careful not to water too much until germination.
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