Dactylopsis DIGITATA

Dactylopsis DIGITATA - Finger dactylopsis, Dactylopsis digitata, Lady's fingers.

'Living Stones' seed series.

Dactylopsis is a tiny genus of highly succulent plants in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae), comprising only two species. Both are endemic to South Africa and grow on sun-exposed outcrops of crushed shale rocks enriched by alluvial deposits in the winter rainfall region.

The plants consist of fleshy finger-like stems gathered in compact clumps. The stems are bright green, often with a bronze sheen and a waxy coating, while during the summer dormancy period they dull and become enclosed in papery whitish sheaths. True leaves in the usual sense are absent - their role is performed by these very succulent finger-like structures.

Flowers are solitary, white or creamy-white, opening in mid-spring and lasting for weeks without closing their petals even at night. The fruit is a dry capsule that opens from moisture, containing very small seeds.

Dactylopsis digitata is the larger of the two species in the genus: in culture under suitable conditions, a clump reaches 30 cm (12 in) across, whereas the second species, Dactylopsis littlewoodii, rarely exceeds 10 cm (4 in).

The finger-like stems are fleshy, bright green, often with a bronze sheen and a noticeable waxy coating. Flowering occurs in mid-spring; the flowers are white and last unusually long.

Dactylopsis seeds are very fine, almost dust-like, ripening in dry capsules that open from moisture. Soaking such seeds is impractical, so the substrate itself is disinfected: before sowing, it is drenched with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and dried slightly. Scarification and stratification are not required.

Approximately one quarter by volume of fine sand is added to the standard mineral sowing substrate. Sowing is carried out on the surface without burying, moistened from a spray bottle with a growth stimulant solution: SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminosol, Epin, or Zircon, covered with plastic film or placed in a propagator, and germinated in light at a temperature of 18-20 °C (64-72 °F). It is best to sow in autumn, toward the beginning of the natural growth period.

Under favorable conditions, the first sprouts appear within 1-2 weeks; main germination is usually completed within a month, while individual seeds may take longer. Sowings are aired daily; stagnant humid air and waterlogging are unacceptable. Seedlings grow slowly; pricking out is performed only after they have strengthened noticeably, into individual pots.

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In nature, Dactylopsis plants grow in open sunlit spaces, so in culture they need the sunniest spot available. With insufficient light, the plants lose their shape and density.

The maximum night temperature in winter should not exceed 15 °C (59 °F), with an optimal range of 8-12 °C (46-54 °F). The plants react painfully to stagnant air and constant dampness, so the room must be well-ventilated even on freezing sunny days when the indoor temperature rises above 20 °C (68 °F) - 15-20 minutes of intensive ventilation is sufficient.

During active growth, from autumn to late spring, the substrate is moistened regularly but in small amounts - during this time the stems gain turgor and look plump. During the summer dormancy period, the plants are practically not watered, only occasionally moistening the surface or misting. In early autumn, watering is carefully resumed while watching for reviving young stems, and gradually increased.

A heavy, clayey substrate is needed, with an admixture of gravel and perlite and a minimum amount of humus components. Drainage is placed at the bottom of the pot.

Fertilization is carried out very moderately during the active growth period, using heavily diluted fertilizer for cacti and succulents.

With proper care, Dactylopsis plants rarely get sick, and under intensive sunlight their resistance to disease increases markedly.