Fenestraria

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. The genus Fenestraria contains only 2 species of succulent evergreen plants belonging to the group of living stones. The bushes have an extremely unusual appearance. The leaves are green, vertical, long, rounded in cross-section, juicy, with a flattened top, resembling fingers, sometimes covered with a bluish waxy coating. The top of the leaves seems translucent and participates in photosynthesis, absorbing sunlight. Flowers are single, yellow, less often pink or white, resembling dandelions, up to 7 cm in diameter.

Height. Does not exceed 10 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring, summer and autumn they are kept at normal room temperature. In winter, it is necessary to give the plant a rest period for more abundant flowering and place it in a cool room with a temperature of about 12 ° C. In the winter months, the room temperature should not fall below 10 ° C.

Lighting

They prefer a brightly lit place, but if exposed to direct sunlight during the day, the leaves may turn red. 

Care

In summer, the succulent will feel great in the open air, protected from wind and rain. Remove wilting flowers to prolong the flowering period.

Substrate

The main requirement of fenestraria is excellent drainage. For the rest, nutrient-poor, loose soil with a high content of coarse river sand is suitable.

Feeding

During the growing season, monthly, liquid fertilizers for succulents in half the concentration. 

Purpose

The miniature size allows the use of fenestraria in florariums.

Flowering time

It blooms from early spring until the first severe frost; the flowering period is very long. 

Air humidity

Fenestraria grows in very dry places in nature, so it does not need spraying. In winter, the air in the room should be dry. Provide the succulent with a place where it will receive sufficient air movement without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water sparingly even during the growing season. Plants tolerate heat and drought well. In winter, reduce watering even more, protecting only the leaves from wrinkling. It is advisable to water from below, immersing the pot in a container of water and allowing excess moisture to drain completely. 

Transfer

In spring, before flowering. After planting, watering is stopped for several days.

Reproduction

Propagation by seeds is quite easy. By division during transplantation. 

Pests and diseases

If waterlogging and stagnation of water occur at the roots, rotting may occur. When grown in partial shade, the stems become elongated, the plant produces fewer flowers and looks sloppy. Moisture getting on the leaves leads to rotting. 

Of the harmful insects, the main dangers are mealybugs, spider mites, thrips and aphids.