Dinteranthus MICROSPERMUS

Dinteranthus MICROSPERMUS - Small-seeded dinteranthus, Dinteranthus microspermus.

'Living Stones' seed series.

VERY rare collector's plant!

Dinteranthus is a succulent plant in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae), which along with Lithops and Conophytum belongs to the 'living stones' group. This is a small genus comprising only 4 species and 2 varieties. The plants occur in a restricted area of the Cape Province in South Africa, in the Orange River valley, where a relatively high amount of rain falls in summer.

Leaf coloration in dinteranthus varies depending on the species from greenish-gray to nearly ivory-white. In some species, the leaf surface is covered with a marble-like pattern or translucent speckles. Flowers are solitary on a short pedicel, emerging from the fissure between the leaves. The flowers are quite large, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) in diameter in some species, vivid, typically light or dark yellow, less often white or yellowish-white.

Small-seeded dinteranthus consists of a pair of leaves fused at the base. With age, it forms a cluster. The leaves are oval, 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) in diameter, the inner side flat, the outer side rounded. The leaf surface is smooth, grayish-blue. Flowers are yellow, up to 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter.

Seeds are dust-like! Seeds are sown on the surface, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Emerging seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and desiccation of sowings must be avoided. The first sprouts should appear in 30-35 days. Dinteranthus are considered challenging to grow from seed. At least, if sown the same way as lithops and other mesembs, the result is usually unsatisfactory. Therefore, here are sowing and germination recommendations from world-renowned experts.

Steven Hammer's method: (from his article 'The New Mastering the Art of Growing Mesembs') For success, seeds should be sown in mid-summer using a sterilized mix with added pebbles and enough peat to provide an acidic soil reaction. The pot with seeds must be placed in a water tray, covered together with a plastic lid, and placed in a bright spot. After three days, the pot is moved to the spot designated for seed germination; they must be sprayed at least twice a day. Tiny seeds and tiny seedlings can dry out very quickly. Sprouts should be noticeable twelve days after sowing. Cotyledons are very small at first, so the author advises spraying them with a weak fertilizer solution to help them grow faster.

Steven Brack's method: (a researcher who undertook several expeditions to succulent habitats across various continents) It is best to sow dinteranthus in summer, during peak heat. Wooden flats are placed outdoors, covered with a double layer of nylon window mesh, with no other protection against sun and rain. Rain is very beneficial for germination. The mesh breaks raindrops into water spray, so there is no danger to seeds and seedlings. If there is no rain, one must spray at least twice a day. Just do not overdo both rain and spraying: the soil must not become waterlogged to the point that algae appear.

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For cultivation under home conditions, a bright, well-lit location and dry air are necessary. From November to March, plants are not watered and kept at a temperature of 5-8 °C (41-46 °F), then the temperature is very carefully and gradually raised to 18-25 °C (64-77 °F) and watering is cautiously begun. When growing this succulent, one must adapt to the habits and reactions of the particular plant while following general rules. It grows well in a mix of equal parts leaf mold and coarse sand.