Dinteranthus VANZYLII

Dinteranthus VANZYLII - Van Zyl's dinteranthus, Vanzylia, Vanzylias.

'Living Stones' seed series.

A VERY rare, collector's plant!

Dinteranthus is a succulent plant in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae), which along with Lithops and Conophytum is classified in the group of 'living stones'. This is a small genus numbering only 4 species and 2 varieties. The plants are found in a small area in the Cape Province of South Africa, in the Orange River valley, where relatively much rain falls in summer.

The leaf color of dinteranthus, depending on the species, varies from greenish-gray to almost whitish ivory. In some species, the leaf surface is covered with a marbled pattern or translucent speckles. The flowers are solitary, on a short pedicel, emerging from the fissure between the leaves. The flowers are quite large, in some species up to 7 cm (2.8 in) in diameter, bright, typically light or dark yellow, less often white or yellowish-white.

Van Zyl's dinteranthus is a very attractive species. The height and diameter of the pair of leaves is no more than 4 cm (1.6 in), and the leaves are decorated with a beautiful 'marbled' pattern.

The seeds are dust-like! The seeds are sown on the surface, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun at a temperature of 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided. The first sprouts should appear after 30-35 days. Dinteranthus plants are considered not easy to grow from seeds. At least, if sown the same way as lithops and other mesembs, the result is usually unsatisfactory. Therefore, here are planting and germination recommendations from world-renowned experts.

Steven Hammer's method: (from his article 'The New Mastering the Art of Growing Mesembs') To achieve success, seeds should be sown in mid-summer using a sterilized mixture with added pebbles and sufficient peat to provide an acidic soil reaction. The pot with seeds must be placed in a water tray, cover it all together with a plastic lid, and place it in a bright spot. After three days, the pot is moved to the spot where germination of the seeds is planned; they must be sprayed at least twice a day. Small seeds and small seedlings can dry out very quickly. Sprouts should be noticeable twelve days after sowing. The cotyledons are very small at first, so the author advises spraying them with a weak fertilizer solution so they grow faster.

Steven Brack's method: (a researcher who has made several trips to succulent habitats on different continents) It is best to sow dinteranthus in summer, during the greatest heat. Small wooden boxes are placed outdoors, covered with a double layer of nylon window screening, protected by nothing else from sun and rain. Rain is very beneficial for germination. The mesh breaks raindrops into water spray, so there is no danger for seeds and seedlings. If there is no rain, then spray at least twice a day. Just do not overdo it with both rain and spraying: the soil should not be so waterlogged that algae develop.

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For indoor cultivation, a bright, well-lit location and dry air are required. From November to March, plants are not watered and are kept at a temperature of 5-8 °C (41-46 °F), then the temperature is very carefully and gradually raised to 18-25 °C (64-77 °F) and watering is cautiously begun. When growing this succulent, it is necessary to adapt to the habits and reactions of the specific plant while following the general rules. It grows well in a mixture of equal parts leaf mold and coarse sand.