If you have limited space, Antimima dualis is an excellent choice as it is low-maintenance and produces beautiful flowers.
Scientific Name
Antimima dualis (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Argyroderma duale, Mesembryanthemum duale, Ruschia dualis
Common Name(s)
Twin Matfig
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Antimima
Etymology
The specific epithet "dualis (doo-UH-liss) means "dual" and possibly refers to the paired leaves.
Origin
Antimima dualis is native to South Africa. It grows on rocky slopes in the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces.
Description
Antimima dualis is a succulent shrublet with branches that grow from the base and bear pairs of distinctly fused leaves. It has short branches with some long shoots protruding diagonally. The old leaves form a dry sheath around the new set of leaves.
The flowers of Antimima dualis are solitary, have narrow magenta petals, and appear in late fall and early winter.
How to Grow and Care for Antimima dualis
Light: Antimima dualis requires bright light but not too much direct sunlight. So, a windowsill that receives 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon will be a perfect spot for indoor growing.
Soil: The plant thrives in porous soil, allowing the water to drain away quickly. Therefore, use commercial soil for succulents or make your own well-draining mix.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but this plant is not cold-hardy. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: To keep your Antimima dualis healthy, it is most important to know when, how much, and how often to water it. During the dormant period, usually in summer, the plant requires little or no water. From fall to spring, water it thoroughly but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Fertilizing: As long as you repot this plant every two years, it does not need fertilizer.
Repotting: Even if it can stay happy in the same pot for years, once in a while, you can repot your plant to give it more space anytime during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the growing season.
Propagation: One way to propagate this plant is by stem cuttings during the growing season, which is quite simple. Another option is to start it from seeds by sowing them in well-draining soil during the fall.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Antimima dualis
Antimima dualis is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Antimima
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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