Mitrophyllum

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Mitrophyllum is a small succulent plant with vertical stems, at the top of which are two fleshy, thick, juicy, oblong leaves up to 10 cm long. At the bottom of the stems are dried remains of old leaves. Flowers are small - up to 3.5 cm in diameter, with numerous petals, single, white or yellowish. Representatives of this species have an unusual appearance - leaves of 2 types often appear on the bushes - different in shape.

Height. 15 - 30 cm, grows slowly.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In the warm season, normal room temperature is suitable, in the winter dormant period - coolness of about 10° C. 

Lighting

Place the mitrophyllum in a sunny location with direct sunlight in the morning and evening. On hot summer days, arrange some shading.

Care

One of the most unpretentious plants, which will be easier to kill with excessive care than with neglect. In summer you can place it outdoors, under shelter from wind and rain.

Substrate

Light, porous, well-drained soil, consisting of turf soil, leaf humus and the addition of a large amount of coarse river sand and perlite to improve drainage.

Feeding

Apply fertilizer for cacti and succulents at half strength monthly in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, feeding is stopped.

Purpose

A very valuable collectible succulent, rarely found on sale.

Flowering time

Summer, in cultivation it rarely blooms and only with very good care. 

Air humidity

Mitrophyllum does not need spraying and easily tolerates dry air in living spaces. Ensure good air movement around the bush, while avoiding cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water sparingly during active growth, allowing the soil to dry to half depth before each subsequent watering. In winter, keep almost dry. When watering, try not to get water on the leaves and stems of the plant.

Transfer

Try to replant mitrophyllum only when necessary - when the plant becomes frankly cramped in the pot or needs fresh soil. Replant in spring, choosing a small pot - the root system prefers slightly cramped conditions for abundant flowering.

Reproduction

Cuttings are difficult to root, so propagation by seeds remains the most preferable. Seeds can be sown in spring and summer in damp sand. 

Pests and diseases

High air humidity will lead to leaf and stem rot. to bacterial leaf rot. Excess nutrients lead to leaf wilting.