Machairophyllum

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Machairophyllum is a small succulent plant that forms basal leaf rosettes. The leaves are green, sometimes with a bluish waxy coating, oblong - 3 - 5 cm long, juicy, triangular in cross-section. The flowers are solitary, yellow or pink, with many long petals, resembling a daisy, up to 3.5 cm in diameter.

Height. 15 cm.

Machairophyllum - home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, they prefer warm conditions at a temperature of 23 - 25 ° C. During the winter dormant period, the temperature is reduced to 12 - 14 ° C. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 5 ° C. 

Lighting

Quite light-loving plants that need shading only on summer days. In the morning and evening, machairophyllum can receive direct sunlight. In fall and winter, provide as much light as possible.

Care

Remove dead flowers promptly.

Substrate

Even moderately nutritious soil with a high content of coarse sand is suitable - about half the mixture and with the addition of leaf humus. 

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed with fertilizers for cacti and succulents, with a low nitrogen content, monthly.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

The plant must be kept in frequently ventilated areas with sufficient air movement. In autumn and winter, instead of watering, you can spray the plant in the morning; the rest of the time it does not need spraying.

Soil moisture

During the growing season, watering should be moderate. The frequency of watering depends on the ambient temperature and weather conditions. The top layer of soil should dry out between waterings. After flowering, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced, trying not to dry out the earthen ball. The need for watering at this time will be indicated by wrinkles that appear on the leaves. 

Transplant

Machairophyllums can remain in the same soil for many years, but it would be better to replant them approximately every two years, at the beginning of the growing season. A shallow but wide pot is suitable for planting.

Reproduction

Seeds or leaf cuttings. The place where the cuttings are cut is dried for a week so that they do not rot when planted. Rooting takes 1 - 2 months. Seeds are sown on the surface of the soil in spring. Pots with seedlings are placed in a moderately warm place with a temperature of 15 - 20 ° C, under a cover made of a plastic cap or glass. Germination occurs after 1 - 2 weeks, after which the cover can be removed. By dividing a large colony during transplantation.

Pests and diseases

Spraying or overwatering will cause the leaves to crack, leaving ugly scars, and root rot may also develop.

The main pests are thrips.