Pleiospilos

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. southern Africa.

Description. Pleiospilos are perennial succulents that belong to the group of living stones. The stem is very short and is often located under the surface of the substrate. The plant has a pair of round, succulent leaves up to 7 cm in diameter, green, grayish-green or brown with very small specks. Over time, a new pair appears from the gap between the leaves, which continues to feed on the remains of old leaves. In the warm season, the plant produces short peduncles with 1-4 flowers of very bright colors, reminiscent of chamomile. The flowers have a large number of long petals of pink, yellow, orange with a light center and remain open for only 1 day. The diameter of the buds reaches 5-8 cm.

Height. 5 - 7 cm.

Growing

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 15 ° C. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 5 ° C. 

Lighting

A fairly light-loving succulent, which requires shading only on summer days. In the morning and evening, pleiospilos can receive direct sunlight. In autumn and winter, provide as much light as possible. In autumn and winter, fluorescent lamps can be used for additional lighting.

Care

Representatives of this genus are very unpretentious and are afraid only of stagnant water. Remove wilting buds in time.

Substrate

Even moderately nutritious soil with a high content of coarse sand is suitable - about half of 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, in half the concentration.

Flowering time

Depends on the specific species and conditions of detention. 

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. Provide pleiospilos with a ventilated space with good air flow. 

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

Mature specimens can remain in the same soil for many years, but it is better to repot them about every two years, at the beginning of the growing season. A fairly spacious pot is suitable for planting, as these plants have an impressive root system. When repotting, it is useful to surround the root collar of pleiospilos with a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel.

Reproduction

There are three possible methods of propagation - by seeds, division of large colonies or leaf cuttings. The cuttings are cut and 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 the spring. Pots with seedlings are placed in a moderately warm place with a temperature of 15 - 20 °C, under cover of a plastic cap or glass.

Pests and diseases

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

Among the pests on the flower you can see mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips.