Ihlenfeldtia VANZYLII

Ihlenfeldtia VANZYLII - Van Zyl's ihlenfeldtia, Ihlenfeldtia vanzylii, Cheiridopsis.

RARITY! "Living Stones" seed series.

Ihlenfeldtia is a genus of perennial succulent plants in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae), consisting of only 2 species: Ihlenfeldtia EXCAVATA and Ihlenfeldtia VANZYLII. Currently, debates continue regarding the existence of the genus, as many scientists classify these species under the genus Cheiridopsis. The native habitat is the Cape Province of South Africa.

Leaves are 3-ribbed, triangular in cross-section. The flowers are showy, positioned between the leaves. Plants need warmth, well-drained soil, and water during their active season. They are easily propagated by seeds.

Van Zyl's ihlenfeldtia is a compact, moderately branched succulent plant up to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter, having about 10 branches, sometimes more. Leaves are three-angled, triangular in cross-section, sharply keeled with the keel curving downward, the sides convex, covered with papillae. The flowers are solitary, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) in diameter, with yellow petals, often with a white base.

Seeds are sown superficially, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 25-30 °C (77-86 °F). Sprouts need airing. It is necessary to avoid overwatering and drying out of sowings.

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Ihlenfeldtia needs intense sunlight in winter and spring, and shading in summer. It is important to properly adapt succulent plants to the sun so that they can receive enough light while sitting on a southern window all year round. It is grown at room temperature. Under favorable conditions, the plant develops year-round and does not need special care; in nature, primary activity falls in the winter and spring months, and in summer the succulent enters a dormant phase. It grows relatively easily.

Ihlenfeldtia has a sensitive root system; overwatering the plant is very dangerous. Throughout the year watering is moderate; in the dormant phase (summer) it is rare and meager, only when the plant begins to wrinkle. But one should not forget about watering completely either, to avoid cracking of the epidermis. In dry soil, the plant is able to endure severe heat and light frosts down to -5 °C (23 °F). It does not require misting.

Well-drained soil is required, as the plant is prone to root rot. Ihlenfeldtia can grow outdoors in poor and dry soils. In nature, it grows in rock crevices. It can be grown in rock gardens, but shelter and protection from frosts and winter moisture are required.

During the growing season, the succulent is fed with liquid cactus fertilizer once a month. However, the plant blooms even in poor soils and is sensitive to an excess of potassium.