Antimima EVOLUTA

Antimima EVOLUTA - Unfolded antimima, Antimima evoluta.

"Living Stones" seed series.

The genus Antimima of the ice plant family (Aizoaceae) numbers about one hundred species. They were formerly classified in the genus Ruschia, but were later separated into a distinct genus. Antimimas grow in South Africa, in various regions of the Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa. Each species has a separate, strictly limited distribution range. In these regions, precipitation falls only in winter, approximately 50-70 mm (2.0-2.8 in) per year, while the summer is very hot (up to 40 °C (104 °F)) and dry. Therefore, local plants have adapted to these difficult conditions, which has determined their appearance.

These are dwarf plants with a creeping or very short stem. Some species resemble "living stones" and form a pair of thick, nearly spherical leaves. Many species are grown in indoor culture. The appearance of small plants of the genus Antimima in pots can resemble a miniature tree grown in the bonsai technique.

The leaves are succulent, fleshy, often with sparse teeth along the edges. They reflect sunlight well, which helps reduce the overall temperature of the plant during heat. The flowers of antimima are fairly large, bright, with a silky sheen, red, purple, pink, violet, or white.

Unfolded antimima has leaves that, like all plants of the genus, are small, semicircular, and scale-like. The flowers are bright pink.

Seeds are sown on the surface, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not direct sun, at a temperature of 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided.

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During the growth period (in winter), the succulent must receive plenty of sunlight; it is best to position the plant on the south side. It tolerates high summer temperatures well, up to 40 °C (104 °F). In winter, fairly high temperatures of around 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) should also be maintained; however, it tolerates light frost for a short period of time if kept in dry soil.

The dormant period in antimima occurs in summer, and watering at this time is reduced almost completely; with the start of growth, the plant must be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out. It can be misted occasionally and fed with fertilizer once a month. Antimima grows relatively easily and is undemanding. The plant is very susceptible to rot and can easily perish due to overwatering.

Good drainage is required, as the plant is prone to root rot. It can grow outdoors in sunny, dry crevices during the warm season. Even a fairly poor mixture of pumice, coarse river sand, and humus is suitable. Before the onset of growth in late autumn, the succulent can be transplanted as needed into sod soil with clay and sand. It propagates readily by seeds; they germinate quickly, but not all seedlings survive; antimima is also propagated by dividing the bush.