Anacampseros LANCEOLATA

Anacampseros LANCEOLATA - Lanceolate anacampseros, Anacampseros lanceolata.

Anacampseros is a genus in the family Anacampserotaceae, comprising more than 35 species of perennial, mostly miniature succulent plants resembling small stonecrops. It represents a low-growing herbaceous plant with erect, less commonly prostrate stems. The roots sometimes have tuberous thickenings.

The leaves of anacampseros can be rounded, triangular, or cylindrical in shape. The coloration can be solid, from green to purple, or speckled. In some species, the leaves are pubescent. Each leaf is partially embraced by a small hairy or hidden stipule. The 5-petaled flowers are white, pink, or red, arranged singly or in racemes, and open in hot sunny weather for a short time. There are varieties whose flowers do not open at all or open in the dark. The flowering period is from May to September.

The seeds are very small, about 0.5–1 mm (0.02–0.04 in) long, dark and numerous, contained in dry capsules. Germination rate under proper storage is 60-80%. Sowing is performed exclusively superficially, as the seeds are too small for burying. A light mineral substrate of sand and perlite is used, with the addition of a small amount of leaf mold or vermiculite permissible. The surface of the substrate is moistened from a spray bottle and, if necessary, sprinkled with a thin layer of fine gravel to stabilize the planting. The container is covered with film or a transparent lid and ventilated daily. The germination temperature is maintained at 20–26 °C (68–79 °F) under diffused light, with bottom watering preferred.

Sprouts appear in 10-20 days, the minimum period being about a week, while the maximum possible may exceed 35 days. After the appearance of 1-2 true leaves, careful pricking out into individual containers is carried out. Young plants are provided with good lighting without direct sunlight and moderate watering without stagnant moisture. Vegetative propagation is used often: lateral rosettes easily detach and take root in dry mineral substrate.

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Anacampseros prefers bright light; direct morning and evening sun is tolerated well. To maintain decorative coloration, high light intensity is provided, and supplemental lighting is used in winter. With insufficient lighting, leaves turn pale and green.

During the warm season, a temperature of 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) is maintained. In winter, a decrease to 12–16 °C (54–61 °F) is permissible with an almost complete lack of watering. Watering is carried out after the substrate has completely dried out, in minimal volume. Waterlogging is avoided, as roots are easily damaged.

A mineral substrate is used, very loose and fast-drying, with the addition of pumice, sand, perlite, and a small amount of leaf mold. A shallow pot is chosen, with a mandatory thick drainage layer. Repotting is performed in spring as needed by gentle potting-on.

Fertilizers are applied once every 3-4 weeks during active growth, using succulent fertilizers with reduced nitrogen content. Shaping is not required; only old and withered leaves are removed. Propagation is carried out by seeds and lateral rosettes.