Nananthus is a genus of succulent plants found widely in the interior of South Africa, including the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West, and Free State. A population also occurs in eastern Namibia.
The members of the genus Nananthus are related to Aloinopsis and Titanopsis. These thick-rooted plants form tufts of attractive flowers and pointed leaves arranged in rosettes. The flowers are 0.75 inches (2 cm) in diameter, yellow, occasionally with some red hues. 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 good 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 require a large pot. The soil mix should drain well to prevent root rot. Sometimes, they are 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