Aptenia

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. The second name is mesembryanthemum cordifolia. Glossy, succulent leaves and bright purple-pink flowers are the distinctive characteristics of aptenia. It is a well-known groundcover or creeping evergreen plant that develops quickly. The roots are fleshy and thick. Succulent stems are tetrahedral or round, 60 cm long, recumbent. Green leaves are fleshy, flat, heart-shaped or oval, 6 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, arranged in pairs or alternately. There are variegated forms. Flowers with numerous petals of purple, red color, shiny, about 15 mm in diameter, arranged singly or in small groups on short axillary peduncles. The flowers are self-pollinating, the flowering period is August-April. The flowers are open during the day. The fruit is a capsule with four chambers. Each chamber contains one large black-brown seed with a rough surface. 

Apthenia cordifolia  features attractive, green, heart-shaped leaves. 

Height. The height of aptenia ranges from 7.5 to 25 cm. 

Aptenia care at home

Reproduction 

They propagate by apical cuttings or seeds quite easily. Seeds are sown in summer. Water the seedlings very sparingly.

When does a succulent bloom? 

Flowering time is from May to September.

How to grow and prune 

In the absence of a winter dormant period, the plant practically does not bloom. Tolerates pruning well. 

Pests and diseases

There are no major insect or disease problems. Excessive moisture may cause root rot. Leaves wither due to improper watering or non-compliance with temperature conditions.

Sometimes you can see spider mites, mealybugs and aphids on plants.

Containment temperature

In spring and summer, normal room temperature within 18 - 24 ° C is suitable, in winter about 10 ° C.

Lighting

Bright lighting will support the compact form of aptenia, without direct sunlight.

Composition of soil

A mixture of turf, leaf soil with sand, good drainage from broken brick or expanded clay is required.

Feeding

During the growing season, aptenia is fed every 2 weeks.

Spraying

A rather undemanding plant, hot air from radiators, especially in winter, can be detrimental to the plant.

Irrigation

Watering is quite moderate. Allow the soil to dry before the next watering; the plant tolerates drought well.

Transfer

As it grows into a larger diameter pot. 

Purpose

An interesting plant that can be grown as a wonderful herbaceous cover, it can be grown in hanging baskets as a hanging succulent. 

Note

The flower is sometimes used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory agent.