Sarcocaulon

Family. Geraniaceae.

Origin. South East Africa.

Description. Sarcocaulon is an extremely unusual miniature plant with powerful, branched, short stems. The stems have very long, light, slightly curved and sharp spines. and The leaves are light green, their size and shape vary greatly depending on the species - they can be paddle-shaped, oval or long and very thin, pinnately dissected, covered with long pubescence. Leaf blades often have corrugated edges. The flowers are large compared to the size of the plant itself, solitary, axillary, white, cream, greenish or pink, with round, thin petals.

Height. 25 - 30 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving species that can be kept at normal room temperature all year round. During the winter months, the temperature should not fall below 14°C.

Lighting

In summer, light shading is possible during hot daytime hours. The rest of the time, the pot can be placed in the brightest place. With good lighting, sarcocaulon shows good growth rates.

Care

Often, a succulent does not have a pronounced dormant period and its growth may begin, for example, in the winter months, and the dormant period will fall in the summer. In any case, this plant should not be recommended for novice gardeners.

Substrate

Welcomes light and loose soils with a high content of coarse sand, quite poor, requires good drainage, as it is prone to root rot. The drainage component in the mixture can reach up to 75% of the total volume.

Feeding

Fertilize once during the growing season with a cactus and succulent fertilizer (low nitrogen) at half strength. 

Purpose

Sarcocaulon will be appreciated by bonsai lovers - it looks very impressive at any time of the year.

Flowering time

Often depends on the conditions of detention.

Air humidity

There is no need to spray, excess moisture can cause the plant to rot. The bush will appreciate ventilated rooms without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

During the growing season, water in such a way that the substrate dries out to 1/4 of the depth. During the dormant period, reduce watering to a minimum.  

Transfer

Sarcocaulons can remain in the same soil for several years. Mature specimens are replanted every 2-3 years.

Reproduction

Propagation using seeds is quite easy. Seeds are sown in spring at a shallow depth. Vegetative propagation by cuttings rarely ends in success. 

Pests and diseases

Plants rot if there is insufficient drainage and stagnant moisture. The leaves fall off when the earthen clod dries out for a long time.