Delosperma NAPIFORME

Delosperma NAPIFORME - Turnip-shaped delosperma, Delosperma napiforme, Mestoklema.

Delosperma is a large and diverse genus of succulent plants in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae) native to South Africa. In their natural environment, representatives are widespread from Madagascar to Zimbabwe. The genus unites about 100 species of low subshrubs 12-30 cm (4.7-12 in) in height with lignifying, branched stems, or rosette plants virtually without a stem. In their homeland and in indoor cultivation they behave as perennials, but in the open ground only some varieties survive winter.

The fleshy and branched rhizome of the plant goes deep into the soil in search of moisture and nutrients. Small elongated tubers form on long, thin root threads. The above-ground part does not grow much in height, reaching from 10 to 30 cm (3.9 to 12 in). The stems are heavily branched and bend easily to the ground.

The leaves are elongated-lanceolate, curved, up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long and up to 4 mm (0.16 in) thick, smooth or with numerous small bristles. Coloration of the above-ground parts is dark green, bluish, acquiring a reddish tint under strong lighting. On the surface of green parts, potassium salt crystals often appear, giving an icy look.

Delosperma blooms from May until early autumn very abundantly. Sessile flowers develop at the ends of shoots. They have slender elongated petals arranged in one or more rows. In the center, a small tangle of the same petals is formed, giving volume to the core. Flower coloration can be white, yellow, pink, scarlet, salmon, violet, or lilac. Specimens with gradient coloring occur, where a single petal has different colors at the margin and the base. The diameter of a single flower reaches 7 cm (2.8 in). Buds tend to close in rainy or overcast weather and open again to meet the bright sun.

The plant's seeds are interesting. After the flower fades, a small rounded capsule with numerous locules ripens. When drops of dew or rain hit, the capsule opens on its own, scattering tiny poppy-like seeds to a distance of up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft).

Turnip-shaped delosperma is a succulent shrub native to southern Africa on poor dried-out sandy soils. As the rhizome expands, it forms a small caudex above the surface, where the plant stores water and nutrients. This species was first described by Martin Heinrich Gustav Schwantes in 1927.

Seeds are sown superficially without burying in a cactus mix diluted by half with coarse sand, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in the sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Sprouts need ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of crops must be avoided.

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This highly ornamental and unpretentious plant can be used as a groundcover or trailing plant. Some species are frost-resistant. Most delospermas are grown as evergreen container plants. All species are undemanding in care, bloom profusely, and therefore enjoy well-deserved popularity.

It is recommended to place pots with plants in a bright, sunny spot. Under direct sunlight during the day, the leaves can acquire a red tint. When grown in partial shade, the stems stretch out, the plant produces fewer flowers, and looks untidy. In summer, the plant feels great outdoors, protected from wind and rain.

In the warm season, it is kept at normal room temperature. In winter, it is necessary to provide the plant with a dormant period for more abundant flowering and place it in a cool room with a temperature around 10 °C (50 °F). Some species can withstand frosts down to -17 °C (1 °F).

Watering should be moderate during the growing season, and abundant in hot weather. The plant tolerates heat and drought well. In winter during the dormant period, watering is reduced. Misting is carried out during the warm season. In winter, it is kept dry. A location with sufficient air movement without cold drafts should be provided. With excessive moisture and water stagnation at the roots, rotting is possible.

The main requirement for the soil is good drainage. A nutritious, loose soil with a fairly high organic content is suitable. A soil mix of leaf soil and sand in a 1:1.5 ratio can be used. Repotting is carried out in spring before flowering. During the growing season, it is fed twice a month with liquid fertilizers. With an excess of nutrients, plants abundantly build up green mass to the detriment of flowering.

It blooms from early spring until the first severe frost; the flowering period is very long. Fading flowers must be removed to extend the flowering period. Of insect pests, spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can attack the flower.