Bulbine AFF WIESEI

Bulbine AFF WIESEI - Wiesel's bulbine, Bulbine aff. wiesei.

Bulbine is a genus including about 30 plant species native to South Africa. Several species of Australian origin were previously separated into an independent genus Bulbinopsis. Although the genus name derives from the Ancient Greek bulb - "bulb", only a few representatives of the genus actually have a bulb. Most species have simply tuberous or fibrous roots instead. The genus unites plants that differ in appearance. Among them are low-growing plants with a branching stem, as well as plants forming a rosette of leaves. Bulbines are quite frost-hardy plants; some species are grown outdoors as annuals.

The leaves are fleshy, semi-cylindrical, grooved on top, 15-20 cm (5.9-7.9 in) long, about 2 mm (0.08 in) thick, with an expanded base. The flowers are usually yellow or orange, 5-10 mm (0.2-0.4 in) long, gathered in a raceme inflorescence. In the description of bulbine, information is found that many species have arils or seed appendages. This is an outgrowth surrounding the funicle but not fused with it. The plant's stamen filaments are covered with hairs. This prevents self-pollination.

Wiesel's bulbine is a miniature (up to 3 cm (1.2 in) tall) succulent plant with a relatively dense rosette of leaves. The tuber is small. Leaves are pairwise opposite, curved upward. Pointed at the ends, they have a keel along the lower edge. The leaves are green, while their epidermis has a metallic sheen unusual for bulbines. Native habitat - Cape Province of South Africa.

Seeds are sown in a mixture of turf soil, leaf soil, coarse sand, and peat, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in the sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of sowings.

Sprouts appear in 10-30 days. The maximum germination time can exceed 45 days. Pricking out is carried out when the first true leaves appear.

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In summer, keeping at +23-25 °C (73-77 °F) is optimal; in winter, when the plant is dormant, it is desirable to maintain a temperature of around +10-14 °C (50-57 °F). Bright light is required; it is best to place the plant on a southern or southwestern window, although it can also grow on eastern and western sides. In winter, during the dormant period, bulbine can be moved to a darker place. Leaves turn pale and stretch out with a lack of light. The plant can be affected by fungal infections when grown in the cold under conditions of excessive moisture.

In summer, water abundantly as the substrate dries out. In winter, moisten rarely: 1-3 times a month. How to fertilize: during active growth, feed 1-2 times a month with cactus fertilizer or diluted complete fertilizer. Prefers dry air, does not need misting. With excessive watering, leaves and roots can rot.

A loose store-bought soil for succulents will do. You can prepare your own mixture of turf soil, leaf soil, coarse sand, and peat. Charcoal and brick chips can be added. Drainage is mandatory. Repot in spring once every 2-3 years, when the plant becomes cramped in the pot.