Dinteranthus

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Dinteranthus is a small supersucculent that belongs to the group of living stones. The leaves are similar in color, texture and shape to pebbles. The leaves are paired, bluish-gray, gray-green or even white, sometimes with spots and dots, 5 - 6 cm long, rounded. The upper part has a longitudinal cleft. The surface of the leaves is sometimes wrinkled. Flowers up to 4 cm in diameter, single or in small erect inflorescences, appear from a crack between a pair of leaves, are located on short strong peduncles, yellow, orange or white.

Height. Up to 3 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

From spring to autumn, normal room temperature. During the dormant period - not lower than 5 ° C. When kept in dry soil, they can withstand short-term frosts down to -7 ° C. 

Lighting

A brightly lit place with light shading only on hot summer days. When exposed to direct sunlight during the daytime, burns may appear on the leaves.

Care

An extremely unpretentious plant that is only afraid of waterlogging on cold autumn and winter days. 

Substrate

Excellent drainage is critical when growing dinteranthus. The succulent's nutrient requirements are surprisingly modest, and its root system is very small. Soil with little organic matter and a high content of coarse sand, fine gravel or pebbles is suitable for growing this species.

Feeding

Feed once per growing season with cactus and succulent fertilizer (high in potassium and low in nitrogen) at half strength. Excess nutrients will cause excessive green growth, which will encourage pests and fungal diseases.

Purpose

A miniature succulent for collectors, as even a large collection will fit on a modest windowsill.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Do not spray during warmer months. If the air in the room is humid, place the pot with the dinteranthus in a well-ventilated room without cold drafts. When the central heating is on and the air becomes very dry, you can spray once a week to simulate dew in a natural environment.

Soil moisture

Water very carefully in winter. Start regular watering after the old leaves have completely dried (late March or early April). During the period of active growth, water until the earthen ball is completely soaked, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings and make sure that water does not stagnate in the pan. In winter, just try not to dry out the earthen ball.

Transfer

The flower can remain in the same soil for several years, as its need for nutrients is extremely low. In addition, dinteranthus likes to be in somewhat cramped conditions.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds or by dividing adult specimens. Small seeds are sown in spring or summer in moist but well-drained, loose soil. The planting material is covered with a very thin layer of sand and placed in a warm place without direct sunlight. At first, the seedlings are covered with a plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity. After about a week, the cap can be removed and the crops can be sprayed.

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to excess moisture. Overwatering can also cause leaves to crack, leaving ugly scars on them. 

Among the harmful insects, plants can be attacked by spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids.

Varieties:

Dinteranthus Vanzylii

A very attractive subspecies, characterized by bluish-gray leaves arranged in pairs and reminiscent of lithops. On the upper plane of the leaves there are small depressions that form burgundy spots and stripes. The flowers are large - up to 4 cm in diameter, yellow or orange, solitary, appearing from the gap between the leaves.