Tavaresia

Family. Asclepiadaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Tavaresia is a neat succulent plant with ribbed shoots, reminiscent of a cactus. The stem is cylindrical, has 10-12 ribs, green, blue-green, 4-6 cm high and 1.5 cm in diameter. Flowers are single or in small inflorescences of up to 4 pieces, large and spectacular, tubular, funnel-shaped, up to 10 cm long and about 2.5 cm in diameter, appear at the base of young stems. Colors vary from pale yellow to cream and flesh-colored with dark red spots and stripes on the outside. Petals are pubescent.

Height. Up to 12 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Normal room temperature from spring to autumn, minimum winter temperature is 5°C, provided plants are kept dry. The optimal temperature in winter should be at least 15 ° C. 

Lighting

Bright light with some shade on hot summer days, preferably with access to direct sunlight in the evening and morning. Succulents that do not receive enough light indoors will refuse to bloom.

Care

An unpretentious plant, which, however, is susceptible to rotting when overwatered.

Substrate

Standard mix for cacti and succulents, well drained. The pH value should be 6.5-7.5.

Feeding

Once a month during the growing season, apply fertilizers for succulents.

Purpose

Tavaresia is mainly grown by cactus and succulent specialists. Despite their very small size, a whole collection of these plants can fit on this windowsill.

Flowering time

In mid-summer, usually after the rains.

Air humidity

There is no need to spray this plant. In autumn and winter, moist air can cause rotting.

Soil moisture

Watering is moderate in spring and summer; it is advisable to use soft water at room temperature. In winter, reduce watering enough so that the earthen ball does not dry out. 

Transfer

Once every 2 - 3 years, in the spring.

Reproduction

Easily propagated by stem cuttings and seeds. Fresh seeds have good germination and germinate quickly after sowing, but it is much more difficult to preserve young plants. Seeds are sown in spring in well-drained, light, sandy soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Pots with seedlings are placed in a warm place with a temperature of 25 - 35 ° C, without access to direct sunlight. To maintain moisture, cover the pots with glass or a transparent plastic cap. Decabelones grow quite quickly and bloom at the age of 2 - 3 years. It is better to cut stem cuttings during the active growth of tavaresia - in spring and summer, to ensure good rooting. Plants obtained from cuttings may bloom in the first year, depending on the size of the cutting. Before planting, the cutting site should be dried for at least two weeks. Tavaresia is also grafted onto less demanding rootstocks. 

Pests and diseases

The plants come from arid areas and do not tolerate excess moisture and low winter temperatures, and are easily destroyed by mold fungi. Of the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs and nematodes.