Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora produces white flowers instead of the typical yellow of Faucaria bosscheana.
Scientific Name
Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora
Accepted Scientific Name
Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Faucaria
Etymology
The formal epithet "albiflora (al-BIH-flor-uh)" means "white-flowered" and refers to the color of the flowers.
Origin
Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora is native to South Africa.
Description
Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora is a small succulent that forms rosettes of crowded dark green leaves with whitish keel and margins. The leaves are fleshy, smooth, boat-shaped and can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide. The margins of the leaves are wavy, or they may have a few short, stout teeth. If exposed to intense sunlight, the margins and keel of the leaves turn reddish.
The flowers usually appear in the fall and have 70 to 90 narrow white petals.
How to Grow and Care for Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora
Light: In order to thrive, this plant needs to be exposed to full sun. Make sure it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Although growing it on a sunny windowsill indoors is a good idea, moving it outside during the growing season (from spring to fall) is recommended to ensure it gets the required amount of sunlight.
Soil: Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora requires porous soil that allows water to drain away quickly. You can use a commercial potting mix for succulents or make your own.
Temperature: This plant enjoys high temperatures and can also withstand mild frost. 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 Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora healthy, water it deeply and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the winter dormancy period, it requires little to no water. If you notice wrinkled leaves, it is a sign that your plant needs water.
Fertilizing: For optimal growth, fertilize it once or twice during the active growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Stop fertilizing in the winter.
Repotting: Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora does not need to be repotted frequently. Repot only when it has outgrown its container, typically every two or years. Early spring, just before the growing season starts, is the best time for repotting.
Propagation: One way to propagate this plant is by dividing clumps, which is quite simple. Another option is to start from seeds by sowing them in well-draining soil during spring. The best time for dividing is late spring or early summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Faucaria.
Toxicity of Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora
Faucaria bosscheana f. albiflora is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Faucaria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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