Malephora

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. Africa.

Description. Malephora are miniature shrubs with branched, creeping or erect shoots. The leaves are light green, arranged in opposite pairs, fleshy, juicy, often round in cross-section, with a bluish waxy coating, up to 3 cm long. The flowers are quite large - up to 4 cm in diameter, spectacular, similar to a chamomile or daisy, with many long petals are golden yellow, orange or red with a light center. 

Height. Up to 20 cm, stems grow up to 1 m in length.

How to care

Temperature conditions

In spring, summer and autumn they are kept at normal room temperature. In winter, it is necessary to give the plant a rest period for more abundant flowering and place it in a cool room with a temperature of about 12 ° C.

Lighting

Malephora prefer a brightly lit place, but if exposed to direct sunlight during the day, the leaves may turn red.

Care

In summer, the succulent will feel great outdoors, in a place protected from wind and rain. Remove wilting buds to prolong the flowering period. After flowering, long stems can be trimmed to create a compact shape.

Substrate

Adapts well to most types of soil that have excellent drainage and contain large amounts of coarse river sand.

Feeding

During the growing season, feed every 2 weeks with fertilizer for succulent plants at half strength. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped. 

Purpose

Looks great when grown in a hanging basket for several years - when the stems begin to hang over the edge of the pot. Sometimes grown as a bonsai.

Flowering time

Malephoras bloom profusely in spring and summer, but individual buds may appear periodically at any other time of the year.

Air humidity

Spray periodically during the warm season. Keep dry in winter. Imagine a place where the plant will receive sufficient air movement without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Watering should be moderate during the growth period - succulents tolerate drought better than excessive watering. In winter, watering should be reduced even more.

Transfer

Adult specimens need to be replanted every 2-3 years in the spring, before flowering.

Reproduction

Seeds and stem cuttings. The cutting area should be dried before planting.

Pests and diseases

If there is over-watering and stagnation of water at the roots, rotting may occur. With an excess of nutrients, the bushes abundantly grow green mass to the detriment of flowering. When grown in partial shade, the stems stretch out, the plant produces fewer flowers and looks sloppy.

Of the harmful insects, the main danger is aphids and mealybugs.  

Note

Some types of malephora lose their lower leaves and become less attractive with age - they are replaced with new plants.