Avonia QUINARIA 'ALSTONII'

Avonia QUINARIA 'ALSTONII' - Alston's avonia, Avonia quinaria 'Alstonii', Alston's anacampseros, Anacampseros ALSTONII.

Avonia is a genus in the family Anacampserotaceae. These plants were previously assigned to section Avonia of the genus Anacampseros, and in 1994 were separated into an independent botanical genus. These are the so-called 'white anacampseros'. Most botanists recognize this classification, since besides the obvious difference in appearance between plants of the genera Anacampseros and Avonia, no transitional forms exist between them, including hybrids.

Currently, the genus Avonia unites about 25 species. These plants have slender, sparsely branching stems no more than 8 cm (3.1 in) long. The leaves are very small, almost completely covered by silvery-white scarious stipules. The flowers are solitary, located at the ends of the stems, sessile or on short pedicels. The roots are tuberous, sometimes thickened in the upper part. Avonias are very simple in culture, and many species are frequently found in collections.

Avonia quinaria 'Alstonii' has a thickened root resembling a turnip, reaching 60 mm (2.4 in) in diameter (very rarely up to 80 mm (3.1 in)), flat on top. On the upper surface grow numerous (several hundred on a single specimen) unbranched shoots no more than 30 mm (1.2 in) long and about 2 mm (0.08 in) thick.

The leaves are tiny, completely covered by silvery-toned triangular stipules appressed to the stem. Flowers appear at the tips of the shoots. With the onset of bud development, the shoot noticeably thickens. The flowers reach 30 mm (1.2 in) in diameter, but in temperate indoor conditions they are usually smaller, 20-25 mm (0.8-1.0 in), and white.

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 carried out strictly on the surface, as the seeds are too small to be buried. A light mineral substrate of sand and perlite is used; addition of a small amount of leaf mold or vermiculite is 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 sowing. The container is covered with plastic wrap 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 is 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 performed. Young plants are provided with good lighting without direct sunlight and moderate watering without moisture stagnation. Vegetative propagation is frequently used: lateral rosettes separate easily and root in dry mineral substrate.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

The plant prefers bright lighting, tolerating direct morning and evening sun well. To preserve ornamental coloration, high light intensity is provided, and supplemental lighting is used during the winter period. With insufficient lighting, the leaves pale and turn green.

In the warm season, a temperature of 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) is maintained. In winter, a drop to 12–16 °C (54–61 °F) is permitted with almost no watering. Watering is carried out after the substrate has dried out completely, in minimal amounts. Waterlogging 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 obligatory thick drainage layer. Repotting is carried out in spring as needed by gentle transfer without disturbing the root ball.

Fertilizer is applied once every 3-4 weeks during active growth, using fertilizer for succulents with reduced nitrogen content. Shaping is not required; only old and dried leaves are removed. Propagation is carried out by seeds and lateral rosettes.