Piaranthus

Family. Asclepiadaceae.

Origin. Africa.

Description. The genus Piaranthus consists of 17 succulent plants. The stems are erect or creeping, light green in color, usually tetrahedral, covered with clearly defined pointed tubercles, at the tops of which there are short thick spines. The flowers are single, very showy, up to 4 cm in diameter, have 5 fleshy, thick petals, the inner surface of which is covered with pubescence. The petals are white, yellow, orange, burgundy, green, purple, with various spots and stripes. The aroma of the buds can be unpleasant.

Height. 10 - 15 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Representatives of this genus do not like cold, so year-round maintenance at room temperature is suitable. It can withstand short-term temperature drops to 5 °C if kept dry. Winter maintenance at a temperature of 15 °C.

Lighting

Like many other succulents, piaranthus prefer to grow in light shade, away from direct sunlight in the summer. 

Care

The basic rule in caring for this plant is not to overwater it, especially in autumn and winter, when the temperature is low.

Substrate

The root system is compact, with a large number of small roots, so loose soil is used for growing, for example, ready-made mixtures for cacti and succulents with the addition of coarse river sand, perlite or pumice to improve drainage.

Feeding

Fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high content of potassium, poor in nitrogen, 2 times a month in half concentration. No fertilizing is carried out during the winter months.

Purpose

A very unusual, spectacular, compact flower that does not require high maintenance.

Flowering time

End of summer - autumn.

Air humidity

No need to spray. In winter, the air should remain dry. It is advisable to ensure good air movement around the plant while avoiding cold drafts. 

Soil moisture

Water deeply during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering. Reduce watering in winter so that the earthen ball does not dry out.

Transplant

Adult succulents are replanted every 2 years, in the spring, it is advisable to use clay pots, the walls of which allow air and water to pass through and allow the soil to dry out faster.

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings in spring and summer. Pre-dry the cutting site for 1-2 days. Sowing seeds in spring in a damp mixture of peat and sand. Seeds germinate quickly.

Pests and diseases

Plants are very sensitive to stem and root rot, which appear as a result of waterlogging and insufficient air circulation, especially in the autumn-winter period.

Of the harmful insects, the main dangers are whiteflies, caterpillars, thrips, weevils,  mealybugs, and scale insects.