Anacampseros ARACHNOIDES

Anacampseros ARACHNOIDES - Cobweb anacampseros, Anacampseros arachnoides.

Anacampseros includes more than 35 species and is a perennial, predominantly miniature succulent plant resembling small stonecrops. It is 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 can be solid, from green to purple, or mottled. In some species, the leaves are pubescent. Each leaf is partially clasped by a small hairy or hidden stipule. The 5-petaled white, pink, or red flowers are 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. The flowering period is from May to September.

Anacampseros arachnoides is an endemic of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. It grows at altitudes from 400 m (1,310 ft) to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) and higher. It is a dwarf, slow-growing species, typically not exceeding 5 cm (2 in) in height. It is characterized by thickened cone-like roots, fleshy ovate leaves with a distinct point at the apex (0-20 mm [0-0.8 in] in length, 9-15 mm [0.35-0.6 in] in width and thickness). The leaf color varies from green to purple depending on the brightness of lighting. In the leaf axils, grayish-white hairs form a small short bristle. White or light pink flowers 5-8 cm (2-3.1 in) in diameter with elongated lanceolate petals open in the afternoon hours. It is a frost-tolerant species that can withstand temperature drops to 2 °C (36 °F).

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 on the surface, as the seeds are too small for burying. A light mineral substrate of sand and perlite is used, with a small addition 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 diffused light; bottom watering via a tray is preferred.

Seedlings emerge in 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 performed. 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, tolerating direct morning and evening sun well. To preserve ornamental coloration, high light intensity is provided; in winter, supplemental lighting is used. With insufficient light, the 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 permitted with an almost complete absence of watering. Watering is carried out after the substrate has completely dried out, in a minimal amount. Waterlogging is excluded, 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 carried out in spring as needed using the pot-transfer method.

Fertilizer is applied once every 3-4 weeks during the period of active growth, using fertilizers for succulents 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.