Anacampseros

(Anacamp'seros)

DESCRIPTION: These succulent plants are originally from South Africa. They form rosettes of smooth or hairy, fleshy leaves, which may be lance-shaped or almost round. These small plants can reach a height of up to 6 inches when mature. The flat, wheel-shaped flowers grow intermittently throughout the year, but mostly in the summer. They open in the afternoon and close in early evening. They range in color from white to pale purple. The blossoms are self-fertile; producing seeds in a cup of erect filaments that are dispersed by the wind. A. rufescens 'Sunrise' is a pretty hybrid with leaves varying from green at the base to pink and yellow at the tips; the more exposure to light, the more vivid the colors. This species forms rosettes up to 4 inches across. On hot days, its pink, 3/4-inch flowers will open. This plant won't tolerate frost or hot sun all day long. These plants are excellent for growing in a greenhouse, windowsill, or outdoors in warm climates.

POTTING: These plants should be potted in March in one part sandy loam and one part equal proportions of crushed limestone, sand and finely broken brick. Water should be applied as soon as the soil becomes dry during the summer, but throughout the winter very little is required.

PROPAGATION: Seeds can be planted in finely sifted sandy soil in March.

VARIETIES: A. arachnoides; A. filamentosa; A. rufescens & var. 'Sunrise'; A. lanceolata.

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