Rhinephyllum

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. Africa.

Description. Rhinephyllum — dwarf succulent plants, forming a short stem as they age, belong to the group of living stones. The leaves are fleshy, juicy, light green or reddish-pink, with small dots of contrasting shades, up to 2.5 cm long. A new pair of leaves appears from a crack in the old pair. The flowers are fragrant, single, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, white or yellow, with many long narrow petals, fragrant.

Height. It grows quickly, but reaches only 20 cm in height.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the warm season, normal room temperature is suitable. During the dormant period, they are kept cool - at a temperature of about 12 ° C. The temperature should remain above 10 ° C in winter. 

Lighting

Needs a bright sunny spot. Light shade is possible only on hot summer days. Leaves acquire a reddish tint when grown in full sun.

Care

An easy to grow plant that only tolerates waterlogging. Can grow outdoors during the warm season.

Substrate

Welcomes light and loose soils, even very poor in nutrients, with a high content of coarse sand, requires good drainage, as it is prone to root rot.   

Feeding

Fertilize once during the growing season with a cactus and succulent fertilizer (low nitrogen) at half strength.   

Flowering time

Spring. 

Air humidity

Withstands even the driest air. During the dormant period, you can only spray instead of watering. Provide a place where succulents will have good air circulation, but do not expose them to cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Rhinephyllum can tolerate long periods of drought, but after them it requires careful watering. In winter, water minimally and only when the leaves wrinkle. During this period, watering can be replaced by spraying. Water generously during the growing season, but do not allow water to stagnate or the soil to dry out between waterings.

Transplant

Adult specimens are replanted before flowering every 2–3 years.

Reproduction

Seeds in the fall or (less often) cuttings. The places where the cuttings are cut should be dried for several days, after which the cuttings should be inserted into moist soil.

Pests and diseases

An excess of nutrients in the soil, as well as excess fertilizers, cause active growth of green mass, which will subsequently be susceptible to fungal diseases. Leaves crack when overwatered.

Mealybugs can appear among harmful insects.