Faucaria

Family. Aizoaceae. 

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Faucaria is a succulent, perennial, evergreen, miniature plant. The short thick stem bears pointed, triangular, green leaves about 2.5 cm long, arranged oppositely, in pairs. The fleshy leaves serve to store moisture. The edges of the leaves are provided with teeth, from which long, light thorns often protrude. From the side, the leaves with protruding thorns resemble the mouth of a predator. The flowers are typical for most plants of the Aizoaceae family - yellow, with a large number of long thin petals, up to 4 - 6 cm in diameter, opening during the day. Each flower remains open for a week. There are specimens with white or pink flowers.

Height. Up to 6 cm.

Care at home

Containment temperature

Does well in hot summer climates. During the growing season in room conditions, a temperature range from 21 to 30 ° C is suitable, during the winter dormant period - cool content at a temperature of about 16 ° C. 

Reproduction, faucaria from seeds

Seeds can be sown in spring in moist coarse sand. Seedlings are kept at a temperature of 21 - 26 ° C, away from direct sunlight, under a cover of glass or a transparent plastic bag to maintain humidity. Germination occurs within 1 - 2 weeks. Picking is carried out after the first true leaves appear. By dividing large specimens during transplantation. Stem cuttings, which are separated with a sharp sterile instrument, are dried at the cut site for 2 - 3 days and dusted with rooting powder. 

Flowering time

From August to November. 

Pests and diseases

High humidity and insufficient ventilation will cause the leaves and stems to rot. Excess nutrients will cause the leaves to wilt and cause uncharacteristic, loose growth. Insufficient lighting will make the faucaria loose and elongated.

Of the harmful insects, mealybugs, aphids and spider mites may pose a certain danger.

Watering 

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 it almost dry. If the leaves begin to wrinkle, water the plants. Moisture should not get on the leaves - use bottom watering, immersing the pot in a large container with water at room temperature for several minutes. Excess water should be removed after watering.

Soil

Loose, porous, well-drained soil, consisting of turf soil, leaf humus, with the addition of about 30 percent coarse river sand and perlite to improve drainage. Can be grown in ready-made cacti and succulent mixes; faucaria grows well in nutrient-poor soils. The substrate should have a slightly acidic or neutral pH. 

Transplant

Adult plants need to be replanted every 3 years. Replant in the spring, if necessary, to change the soil, into small bowls with large drainage holes. 

Lighting

A brightly lit window sill with light shading during the day. In the morning and evening, direct sunlight should hit the plant daily for at least 3 hours. In fall and winter, provide as much light as possible. Lack of light will affect the flowering of the plant. In good light, the leaves sometimes take on a burgundy hue. 

How to care

Faucaria is easy to grow indoors with excellent drainage and proper watering. Old shoots that have lost their decorative effect can be pruned to maintain a neat appearance. 

Feeding

From April to August, feed every month with liquid fertilizer for succulent plants at half strength. In autumn and winter, feeding is stopped.

Purpose

Faucaria can be used as a ground cover plant, which also blooms.

Air humidity

Feels great in a dry atmosphere of living spaces, there is no need to increase the air humidity. Place the plant in a ventilated room with good air circulation.

Types of faucaria:

Faucaria tigrina

A very attractive, succulent, evergreen, miniature plant with very long, light-colored bristles - “fangs” on the leaves. The leaves are collected in basal rosettes, triangular, very dense, juicy, green or bluish, with white dots on the surface, 3 - 5 cm long; in good light, the ribs and tips of the leaves acquire a pinkish tint. The flowers are golden yellow, large - up to 5 cm in diameter, with numerous long petals, reminiscent of dandelions. This subspecies looks the most intimidating of all faucaria - its “teeth” are more numerous and longer than those of other plants, which is why it was given this name.  

Faucaria felina

A miniature evergreen plant is a succulent with triangular, thick, light green leaves up to 7 cm long and sparsely spaced bristles - denticles along the edges of the leaves. As plants age, they are able to develop short stems.  The flowers are solitary, yellow, very large - they can cover the entire plant; they open only during the daytime in the presence of sunlight. Over time, the plants form daughter rosettes and form a dense herbaceous cover.

Faucaria candida

The main distinguishing feature of this species is the pinkish-white buds, which turn into very large white flowers with a yellow center of short stamens. The leaves are triangular, mostly monochromatic - light green, but in good light they acquire a burgundy tint. The bristles on the edges of the leaves are short, sparse, and light.