Anacampseros RETUSA

Anacampseros RETUSA - Retuse anacampseros, Anacampseros retusa.

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 herbaceous plant with erect, more rarely prostrate stems. The roots sometimes develop tuberous thickenings.

Leaves in Anacampseros can be rounded, triangular, or cylindrical in shape. Coloration can be uniform, from green to purple, or speckled. In some species the leaves are pubescent. Each leaf is partially clasped by a small villous or hidden stipule. Flowers are 5-petaled, white, pink, or red, arranged singly or in racemes, opening in hot sunny weather for a short time. There are varieties whose flowers do not open at all or open in the dark hours. The flowering period is from May to September.

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 on the surface, as seeds are too small for burying. A light mineral substrate of sand and perlite is used, with addition of a small amount of leaf mold or vermiculite permitted. The substrate surface is moistened from a spray bottle and, if necessary, dusted with a thin layer of fine gravel to stabilize the planting. The container is covered with film or a transparent lid and ventilated daily. Germination temperature is maintained at 20-26 °C (68-79 °F) under diffused light, with watering preferred through the tray.

Seedlings appear after 10-20 days; the minimum period is about a week, while the maximum possible can 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 frequently: lateral rosettes easily separate and root in dry mineral substrate.

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Anacampseros prefers bright lighting; direct morning and evening sun is tolerated well. High light intensity is provided to preserve ornamental coloration, and supplementary lighting is used during the winter period. When light is insufficient, leaves pale and turn 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 allowed with almost complete absence of watering. Watering is carried out after the substrate has completely dried, in minimal volume. Overwatering is ruled out, as the 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 an essential thick drainage layer. Repotting is performed in spring as needed by gentle potting-on.

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