Mesembryanthemum

Previously, the genus Mesembryanthemum consisted of about 1000 ornamental species. Today, they belong to various genera, such as Carpobrotus, Cryophythum, Dorotheanthus, and Lampranthus. Actually, the genus Mesembryanthemum, or Crystal Grass, has about 70 species - herbaceous annual and biennial succulents. Basket-like flowers open in the sun. The most common is Mesembryanthemum crystal (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), also called crystal grass, or midday grass. It is grown as a summer plant. Creeping plant with a height of 15 cm. Small fleshy leaves are covered with glandular shiny hairs. In summer, white, pink, red, purple flowers bloom, collected in loose brushes. And the corollas open only in bright sun. Other types of perennials are afraid of frost. For example, mesembryanthemum edible (M. edule, or Carpobrotus edulis), up to 30 cm high with spring-summer blooming yellow or purple flowers. Or Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme, or Carpobrotus acinaciforme, which is also called the "Hottentot ficus". In summer, its creeping shoots are covered with purple flowers.

Previously, the genus Mesembryanthemum consisted of about 1000 ornamental species. Today, they belong to various genera, such as Carpobrotus, Cryophythum, Dorotheanthus, and Lampranthus. Actually, the genus Mesembryanthemum, or Crystal Grass, has about 70 species - herbaceous annual and biennial succulents. Basket-like flowers open in the sun.

The most common is Mesembryanthemum crystal (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), also called crystal grass, or midday grass. It is grown as a summer plant. Creeping plant with a height of 15 cm. Small fleshy leaves are covered with glandular shiny hairs. In summer, white, pink, red, purple flowers bloom, collected in loose brushes. And the corollas open only in bright sun.

Other types of perennials are afraid of frost. For example, mesembryanthemum edible (M. edule, or Carpobrotus edulis), up to 30 cm high with spring-summer blooming yellow or purple flowers. Or Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme, or Carpobrotus acinaciforme, which is also called the "Hottentot ficus". In summer, its creeping shoots are covered with purple flowers.

Cultivation

Mesembryanthemum is ideal for growing in seashore gardens, borders and rocky gardens. It can also be cultivated in pots: on terraces and balconies. Planting in the garden begins in April. Prefers light sandy soil without excessive dampness, the site should get sunlight. A distance of 20-30 cm should be observed between plants, depending on how much the plants of this species grow. Planting in pots is made in late April-May. In this case, humus is used with the addition of coarse sand to provide drainage. In climatic conditions, characterized by harsh winters, potted perennial species at this time of year are brought into a very well-lit room, maintain a temperature of at least 5-6 °C.

Location

All species require open sun. Plants should be planted on the south side.

Temperature

None of the mesembryanthemums is afraid of summer heat, but only perennial species can tolerate winter temperatures close to zero for a short period of time. The optimal air temperature is 20 °C.

Watering

Water, and very moderately, only young and potted plants.

Transplant

Transplanting into a new pot of perennial mesembryanthemums is performed annually in March-April, each time using a slightly larger pot than the previous one.

Reproduction

Propagate by sowing seeds at the end of winter (indoors) or at the end of April-May (directly on the flower bed, in a pot). With early sowing, as soon as the seedlings can be picked up, they are moved to cups, from which they are planted in a permanent habitat in May. Propagate and cuttings in the spring.

Diseases

In case of stagnation of water in the soil or excessive watering, mesembryanthemum is susceptible to root rot. In this case, stop watering until the plant recovers.

Acquisition

Plants are bought at the very beginning of flowering in pots in horticultural centers and from flower growers. Avoid buying succulents with yellowed foliage, which is almost always associated with excessive watering or prolonged exposure to the sales floor. You can also buy seeds that are immediately sown in the ground in the spring.