Titanopsis

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. The genus Titanopsis consists of 10 perennial succulent plants. Thick, fleshy leaves up to 3 cm long form a basal rosette. Leaf shades range from the usual green to blue, silver, pink, red, brown and purple. The upper edge of the leaves is covered with small rounded tubercles of a light shade. Mature plants form a very short stem. The flowers are yellow or orange with many long and narrow petals, solitary, up to 2.5 cm in diameter.

Height. About 10 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Titanopsis succulent thrives in hot summer climates. During the growing season, in indoor conditions, normal room temperature is suitable; during the winter dormant period, cool conditions at a temperature of about 10 ° C are suitable.

Lighting

A brightly lit window sill with light shading during the day. In the morning and evening, direct sunlight can hit the plant daily. In fall and winter, provide as much light as possible.

Care

Titanopsis is not picky and is only afraid of stagnant moisture. It will be easier to kill him with excessive care than with neglect. 

Substrate

Loose, porous, well-drained soil, consisting of turf soil, leaf humus, with the addition of coarse river sand and perlite to improve drainage. Can be grown in a ready-made mixture for cacti and succulents. 

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed every month with liquid fertilizer for succulent plants at half strength. In autumn and winter, feeding is stopped.

Purpose

Over time, it forms an attractive carpet - it can be used as a ground cover plant, which also blooms. The bush is very decorative at any time of the year.

Flowering time

From July to November.

Air humidity

Do not increase humidity - the succulent tolerates dry air well. Place the flower pot in a ventilated room with good air circulation.

Soil moisture

During the period of active growth, water so that the soil dries out to a depth of about 5 cm between waterings. In winter, keep the substrate almost dry. If the leaves begin to wrinkle, water the plants with warm, settled water. When watering, moisture should not get on the leaves.

Transfer

Titanopsis can be kept in the same pot for several years. Replant in spring, changing the soil if necessary. Use pots with large drainage holes for planting.

Reproduction

Dividing large plants when transplanting. Seeds can be sown in damp sand in spring. 

Pests and diseases

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

Of the harmful insects, an invasion of spider mites is possible.