Anacampseros FILAMENTOSA

Anacampseros FILAMENTOSA - Threaded anacampseros, Filamentous anacampseros, Anacampseros filamentosa.

Anacampseros is a genus of 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, rarely trailing stems. The roots sometimes have tuberous thickenings.

The leaves of anacampseros can be rounded, triangular, or cylindrical in shape. The coloration may be solid, ranging from green to purple, or speckled. In some species, the leaves are pubescent. Each leaf is partially clasped by a small hairy or concealed stipule. The 5-petaled flowers, white, pink, or red, are situated singly or in racemes, opening briefly during hot sunny weather. There are varieties whose flowers do not open at all or open after dark. The flowering period is from May to September.

Filamentous anacampseros has stems up to 5 cm (2.0 in) in height, with napiform thickened roots, densely arranged elongated-oval leaves, and long white hairs. The flowers are pink, 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. Native to South Africa.

The seeds are very tiny, about 0.5–1 mm (0.02–0.04 in) long, dark and numerous, contained in dry capsules. Seed viability under proper storage is 60–80%. Sowing is performed exclusively on the surface, as the seeds are too fine to be buried. A light mineral substrate of sand and perlite is used, with the addition of a small amount of leaf mold or vermiculite permitted. The surface of the substrate is moistened with 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) in diffuse light, with bottom watering preferred.

Seedlings appear in 10–20 days, the minimum period being about a week, while the maximum possible may exceed 35 days. After 1–2 true leaves appear, 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 are easily separated and rooted in dry mineral substrate.

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Anacampseros prefers bright lighting; direct morning and evening sun is tolerated 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.

During the warm season, a temperature of 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) is maintained. In winter, a decrease down to 12–16 °C (54–61 °F) is permissible with almost complete absence of watering. Watering is carried out after the substrate has completely dried out, in minimal volume. 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 selected, with a mandatory thick drainage layer. Repotting is performed in spring as necessary using the potting-on method.

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