Nananthus is a genus of succulent plants that occur widely in the interior of South Africa in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West, and Free State. There is also a population in eastern Namibia.
The members of the genus Nananthus are related to Aloinopsis and Titanopsis. The thick-rooted plants are tufted with attractive flowers and pointed leaves arranged in rosettes. The flowers are 0.75 inches (2 cm) in diameter, yellow occasionally with some red. Hardy growers, Nananthus will do well in clayey soil. In the wild, they are summer growers but often behave as winter growers in cultivation.
Growing Conditions
Light: Nananthus plants need full sun or light shade.
Temperature: These plants will take a small amount of frost for a short time. It is reported to be hardy to at least 10° F (-12° C).
Water: Water minimally in summer, only when the plant starts shriveling.
Soil: Because of the taproot, they need a highly gritty compost with much drainage.
Propagation
Nananthus plants are propagated by cuttings and seeds.
Grower's Tips
Nananthus are easy-to-care-for and rewarding plants. Native to a more continental region of South Africa, they can withstand intense heat and some frost. During the summer, they should be lightly shaded. Water them sparingly, only when the plant begins to shrivel. In other seasons, they require full sun or light shade. Generally, they bloom in the fall.
Most species develop large root systems and need to be kept in a large pot. The soil mix should have excellent drainage to avoid root rot. They are sometimes planted with part of the root system exposed.
Links
- Back to genus Nananthus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus