Aptenia 'Red Apple' (Baby Sun Rose)

Scientific Name

Aptenia 'Red Apple'

Common Names

Baby Sun Rose

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Mesembryanthemoideae
Genus: Aptenia

Description

Aptenia 'Red Apple' is often confused with Aptenia cordifolia. It is a hybrid with more vigorous growth and an ability to root from small bits of stem. Its flowers tend to have a more reddish color (unlike the authentic A. cordifolia in which they are bright pink to purplish) and leaves which are less heart-shaped and brighter green in color.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Water Aptenia only when the soil is completely dry and then provide enough to drench the soil to a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm). To check for dryness, poke your finger into the soil. Never water if the soil feels damp or cool, as Aptenia, like all succulents, is prone to rot in soggy, waterlogged soil. Water Aptenia lightly during the winter if the leaves begin to look shriveled. Provide only enough water to moisten the soil as the plant deteriorates quickly in cool, damp soil.

Withhold fertilizer, which isn't needed and often results in a weak, floppy plant. Trim the plant as needed throughout the growing season, using pruners or garden shears to keep the plant tidy. Pot the plant and bring it indoors for the winter when nighttime temperatures drop below 50 °F (10 °C).

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aptenia.

Origin

Aptenia 'Red Apple' is hybrid between Aptenia cordifolia and Mesembryanthemum haeckelianum (formerly known as Platythyra haeckeliana or Aptenia haeckeliana).

Links

• Back to genus Aptenia
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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