Anacampseros retusa

Scientific Name

Anacampseros retusa Poelln.

Synonyms

Anacampseros nitida, Anacampseros retusa f. parva, Anacampseros retusa f. rubra, Anacampseros truncata

Scientific Classification

Family: Anacampserotaceae
Genus: Anacampseros

Description

Anacampseros retusa is a succulent plant with short thick caudex and stems with fleshy, densely packed leaves. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Leaves are smooth or hairy, lance-shaped or almost round, and green to brownish-green. Flowers are pale to deep pink, appear in summer, remain closed during the night, and open in the afternoon.

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 a 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.

Origin

Native to Namibia and South Africa.