Orthopterum waltoniae is similar to Orthopterum coeganum, but its leaves are slender.
Scientific Name
Orthopterum waltoniae L.Bolus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Orthopterum
Etymology
The specific epithet "waltoniae (pronounced wal-TON-ee-ay)" honors Miss A. Walton (fl. 1923), who collected this species near Grahamstown.
Origin
Orthopterum waltoniae is native to South Africa. It grows on gravelly ground in open patches at the edges of scrub from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) to Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Orthopterum waltoniae is a dwarf succulent shrublet with short branches that bear opposite, lance-shaped leaves. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are gray-green and have tiny dots marking their surface. They may also have a few teeth along the margins, usually 2 or 3.
From late fall to mid-winter, Orthopterum waltoniae produces solitary flowers with numerous narrow, golden-yellow petals, often reddish on their lower surface. The fruits are capsules with five or six locules.
How to Grow and Care for Orthopterum waltoniae
Light: Orthopterum waltoniae 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 Orthopterum waltoniae healthy, it is most important to know when, how much, and how often to water it. During the dormant period, usually in winter, the plant requires little or no water. From spring to fall, 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 this plant can stay happy in the same pot for years, you can repot it occasionally to give it more space during the growing season. However, the best time is at the beginning of the season.
Propagation: This plant is usually propagated by taking stem cuttings during the growing season, which is quite simple. Alternatively, you can start the plant from seeds by sowing them in well-draining soil in the spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Toxicity of Orthopterum waltoniae
Orthopterum waltoniae is considered non-toxic and safe around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Orthopterum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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