Othonna

Family. Asteraceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Othonnas are evergreen or deciduous miniature succulent plants. The bushes are very diverse in appearance. Some species have a large caudex that stores moisture, while others have thin, recumbent stems. The leaves can be fleshy, juicy, from 1 to 10 cm long, elliptical, oblong-lanceolate or spoon-shaped, sometimes palmately divided, the leaf blades are smooth or with small teeth. The surface of the leaves is often covered with a waxy coating. The flowers are small, yellow or, less often, white, violet, purple, similar to dandelions, located at the tops of long peduncles.

Height. Up to 30 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the winter months, keep the plant in cool conditions, but do not expose the plant to temperatures below 12°C. 

Lighting

It easily tolerates direct sunlight and grows better in intense light. If othonna sheds its foliage, lighting will not play any role until new growth begins.

Care

During the warm season, take the bush out into the fresh air.

Substrate

Well-drained, porous soil with a high content of coarse river sand and an acidic pH of up to 6.0.

Feeding

Feed regularly in spring and summer with a low-nitrogen liquid succulent fertilizer once a month.

Purpose

Specimens with drooping stems look good in a hanging basket.

Flowering time

From mid-spring to autumn.

Air humidity

Othonna loves well-ventilated areas with constant air movement. Does not require spraying.

Soil moisture

The frequency of watering directly depends on the temperature of the content. Dry the soil to half its depth between waterings during the growing season. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering to a minimum. Othonna does not like sudden changes in the watering regime. 

Transfer

Repot in spring when growth begins. Mature succulents need repotting on average every 3 years.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring in soil with a high sand content, germination takes from several days to 2 months. Many varieties are propagated by cuttings or division of large mature plants.

Pests and diseases

The main pests of flowers are spider mites and aphids.