Schwantesia

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin: Southwest Africa.

Description. Schwantesia are low succulent plants that form impressive colonies with age. The leaves are light green, juicy, oblong, sometimes with a waxy bluish coating, 2–5 cm long. Some species have attractive pubescence, while others form leaves that are round in cross-section. Small teeth may be located along the edges of the leaf blades. A young pair of leaves emerges from a gap between the old pair and feeds on their remains. Flowers are 3–5 cm in diameter, single, resemble daisies, monochromatic — yellow, white or orange, open during the day in bright sunlight.

Height. 5-7 cm, grows slowly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant, in winter the temperature is reduced to 12 - 14 C. 

Lighting

A bright place with some shade in summer when the sun is too strong. In good light the leaves may acquire a pinkish tint.

Care

The period of active growth lasts from early spring to late summer, but schwantesia easily adapts to the conditions of maintenance and, with sufficient watering and favorable growing conditions, does without a dormant period. Not the easiest succulent to grow, so not suitable for beginners.

Substrate

Sandy, well-drained soil, cactus soil mixture will do. To improve drainage, add at least 30 - 40% coarse river sand to the mixture. Grows well even in nutrient-poor soils.

Feeding

Once a month, apply fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high potassium content and low nitrogen content, in half concentration. No additional feeding is carried out in the autumn-winter period.

Flowering time

Mainly in summer, but can bloom at any time of the year, for quite a long time. 

Air humidity

Schwantesia is not demanding to air humidity, in autumn and winter the air in the room should be dry. Place the bushes in a ventilated room with good air circulation, but without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water generously but infrequently throughout the year. Reduce the frequency of watering in the winter months according to the air temperature - if the plant is kept in a cool place - the soil should be almost dry. The need for further watering in the winter months will be indicated by wrinkles appearing on the leaves.

Transplantation

Every year in spring as it grows. For planting, you can choose shallow bowls, since the plants have a superficial root system.

Reproduction

Sometimes succulents are propagated by seeds, easily spread by leaf cuttings. Seeds germinate quickly - within 1-2 weeks after planting.

Pests and diseases

Rots can occur under conditions of excessive moisture and inadequate drainage. Leaves can crack if there is excess moisture. If there is insufficient light, flowering does not occur. 

Quite resistant to pests. Spider mites sometimes appear.

Note

Toxic to animals and possibly humans.