Cheiridopsis

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. The genus "Cheiridopsis" has more than 100 species of perennial evergreen succulents, related to the group of living stones. As they mature, they form large grassy mats. The shape, color and size of the leaves are varied; most have oblong, juicy, fleshy, green or bluish leaves, 2 - 8 cm long. There are species with bronze or burgundy leaves. Some species form short stems. Young leaves appear in the spaces between old leaves and feed on their remains. The flowers are single, typical for representatives of the family - have many long and narrow petals, painted in white, yellow, lilac or pink shades, and open during the day.

Height. 5 - 10 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, the temperature is maintained within the range of 18 - 25 °C. Plants require a cool dormant period after flowering, at a temperature of 10 - 12 °C.

Lighting

A brightly lit place with direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours. In spring and summer, when the sun's activity is too high, cheiridopsis needs light shading, but in autumn and winter you can provide maximum light.

Care

The succulent is unpretentious and will rather tolerate neglect than painstaking and careful care.

Substrate

Representatives of the genus tolerate poor nutrient soils that easily allow moisture to pass through. It grows well in ready-made mixtures for succulent plants with the addition of a large amount of coarse river sand.

Feeding

Cheiridopsis is content with monthly fertilizing with water-soluble fertilizers for cacti or succulent plants in the spring and summer. In the fall, feeding is stopped and resumed only with the beginning of new growth, in the spring.

Flowering time

Spring Summer. The exact time of flowering may vary depending on the species and growing conditions.

Air humidity

Does not require additional humidification, prefers ventilated rooms with a constant flow of fresh air, but without cold drafts. 

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water cheiridopsis abundantly, but quite rarely - the soil should dry out to almost half the depth between waterings. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced in accordance with the temperature background in the room and in the winter months the soil should dry out almost completely before each subsequent watering. Small wrinkles on the leaves will indicate the need for watering at this time. 

Transplant

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, every 2-3 years, the bushes are planted in fresh soil before flowering.

Reproduction

Easily propagated by seeds sown in a damp mixture of peat and sand in the spring. 

Pests and diseases

Plants are easily susceptible to rot if there is insufficient drainage or excessive watering, especially during autumn and winter.