Gibbaeum COMPTONII

Gibbaeum COMPTONII - Compton's gibbaeum, Gibbaeum comptonii.

"Living Stones" seed series.

The genus Gibbaeum in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae) numbers about 20 species of highly succulent plants native to the Little Karoo desert (Cape Province of South Africa). A plant with one or two pairs of leaves on each short stem, it forms small clumps. Gibbaeum has a well-developed root system, so it is grown in pots at least 7 cm (2.8 in) deep.

The leaves of gibbaeums are quite diverse in shape, resembling a shark's snout, a canoe bow, or a parrot's beak, which gave rise to local names such as "ostrich toes", "parrot's beak", "baby's bottom", and "fish mouth". The leaves in each pair are of unequal size, which is reflected in the genus name, deriving from the Latin gibba - "hump". In some gibbaeum species, the leaf surface is covered with hairs, which can be either short or fairly long. Leaf length varies from 1 to 10 cm (0.4 to 4 in).

Their flowers are quite attractive, being white, pink, purple, lilac, and extremely rarely violet. It blooms in winter. Flower diameter ranges from 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2.0 in). Flowers open at noon and close at dusk. Unlike many other "living stones", the dormancy period for Gibbaeum falls in June-August, and the growing season begins in autumn.

Compton's gibbaeum is a very beautiful succulent. Its distinctive feature is a pair of fused thick leaves resembling a burst sphere or a cleft stone. It blooms with white or pink flowers.

It propagates by seeds. 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 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Sprouts require airing. It is essential to avoid overwatering and drying out of sowings.

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Gibbaeum needs strong lighting in winter and summer. The soil should consist of equal parts turf soil, leaf mold, and sand. In summer it is kept without watering. During the growth period, light soil moistening and 1-2 feedings with cactus fertilizer at a concentration 2-4 times below normal are provided. Watering begins only in autumn, but even then the soil should be only slightly moist.

The dormant period falls in June-August; the growth period begins in autumn. Bright lighting is required. For good development, it is desirable to maintain a temperature of 17-18 °C (63-64 °F) year-round, and at least 15 °C (59 °F) in winter. Flowering occurs in autumn or spring.