Scientific Name
Anacampseros retusa Poelln.
Synonym(s)
Anacampseros nitida, Anacampseros retusa subsp. retusa, Anacampseros truncata
Scientific Classification
Family: Anacampserotaceae
Genus: Anacampseros
Description
Anacampseros retusa is a small succulent with short thick caudex and stems with fleshy, densely packed leaves and well-developed axillary bristles and hairs shorter or longer than leaves. It grows up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall. Leaves are green to brownish-green, smooth or seldom papillate. They are flattish obovoid and up to 0.4 inches 91 cm) long, spreading at right angles to the stem.
The flowers are pale to dark pink and appear on branched peduncles in summer, remaining closed during the night and opening in the afternoon.
Origin
The native range of Anacampseros retusa is from southern Namibia to Richtersveld and Namaqualand in Northern Cape and Worcester and Ceres Karoo in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It grows on rocky slopes and flats.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Anacampseros grow well in partial sun with bright light enhancing the leaf colors and keeping them compact. They require gritty, free-draining soil with added organic material and low to moderate watering. The caudiciform species are prone to rot and should be watered very sparingly. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer during the growing season, diluted to 1/4 potency, and mix into the watering can for application.
These succulents are excellent plants for container growing. Anacampseros always look good and stay small. They look fine in a cold greenhouse and frame and do well outdoors in raised beds and terraces.
Anacampseros may be attractive to a variety of insects. Still, plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if grown in a mineral potting mix with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, watch carefully for any significant decline in health. This may signal a pest problem that should be dealt with quickly to prevent scarring, stunting, and even death.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Anacampseros.
Links
- Back to genus Anacampseros
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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