Ceraria

Family. Purslanaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Ceraria are low succulent shrubs. The stems are powerful, branched, covered with light gray or brown bark. The leaves are simple, fleshy, rounded, ovoid or cylindrical, 5-10 mm long, light green, often have a waxy bluish coating. The flowers are small, pale pink.

Height. It grows extremely slowly, and it will take more than one year for the caudex to form. The final height of the plants depends on the species.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Ceraria is thermophilic and during the growing season it is kept at a temperature of 18 - 26 ° C. It is advisable for some species to provide a period of rest in a cool place, but the temperature should not fall below 16 ° C. 

Lighting

In the warm season, when the sun's activity is high, the succulent should be provided with shade from direct sunlight during the day. In autumn and winter, the lighting can be as intense as possible.

Care

The plant is extremely undemanding and is only afraid of waterlogging.

Substrate

Light, porous, well-drained soil consisting of turf soil, leaf humus, with the addition of coarse river sand and perlite to improve drainage. The bush feels good on nutrient-poor soils. For planting, you can use a ready-made mixture for cacti and succulents.

Feeding

Feed succulent plant fertilizer monthly during spring and summer, or twice a month if you dilute it to half the recommended dose.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Ceraria does not require high air humidity; it grows well in a normal room atmosphere. In autumn and winter, especially if the plant is kept cool, the air in the room should be dry.

Soil moisture

During the growth period, the bush consumes quite a lot of moisture, and the soil is dried to a depth of 1-3 cm before each subsequent watering. In the winter months, the frequency of watering will depend on the temperature. When kept in cool conditions, the soil should be kept barely moist, slightly wrinkled leaves will indicate the need for regular watering.

Transplantation

Ceraria grows slowly and needs to be replanted approximately every 2-3 years, in the spring. For planting, use unglazed clay pots whose walls allow moisture and air to pass through. 

Reproduction

The cuttings take root quite easily in a damp mixture of peat and sand. The cut site is dried for several days before planting. Propagation by seeds sown in the spring is possible, it is much more successful.

Pests and diseases

Putrefactive manifestations appear when moisture stagnates at the roots.