Raphionacme

Family  Asclepiadaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Raphionacme is a striking representative of succulent plants, which is a compact evergreen plant with a very large caudex - up to 30 cm in diameter, similar to a turnip or a bottle. One or more erect or creeping shoots emerge from the apex of the caudex. The leaves are oblong-oval or lanceolate, green, the size of the leaves depends on the specific type of plant. Young leaves and shoots are covered with thick and short white fluff, as is the underside of the leaf blade. The flowers are axillary, small, greenish or purple.

Height. 15 - 30 cm

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer the usual room temperature, in the winter months the dormant period is at a temperature of 10 - 12 ° C. Do not expose plants to temperatures below 5 ° C. 

Lighting

Raphionacme is grown in shade from direct sunlight. The caudex can become damaged when exposed to the sun.

Care

In autumn, plants lose some of their leaves - they turn yellow and fall off.

Substrate

Raphionacme is grown in very porous soil. Ready-made mixtures for cacti and succulents are suitable with the addition of coarse river sand, perlite or pumice to improve drainage.

Feeding

Fertilize with a succulent plant fertilizer at half strength monthly in spring and summer. 

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying.

Soil moisture

During the growing season, water abundantly, but between waterings the soil should dry out to a depth of several centimeters. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum. 

Transplant

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, every 2 - 3 years. For planting, select a clay pot with large drainage holes. The size of the pot should be 2 - 3 cm larger than the caudex. Plants are planted so that the caudex is immersed in the soil to half its depth. 

Reproduction

Raphionacme propagates both by seeds and vegetatively using cuttings. Plants obtained vegetatively do not develop a caudex at all. 

Pests and diseases

Moisture on hairy leaves can cause fungal diseases.