Rhinephyllum MACRADENIUM

Rhinephyllum MACRADENIUM - Large-glandular rhinephyllum, Rhinephyllum macradenium.

'Living Stones' seed series.

Rhinephyllum is a genus of dwarf succulent plants in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae). In the natural habitat, they grow exclusively in the Cape Province of the RSA. It grows rapidly and reaches 20 cm (7.9 in) in height, expanding just as quickly into clumps.

A shortened stem with two pairs of leaves develops with age. The fleshy, succulent leaves are opposite, club-shaped, 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) long, and have a flat upper surface and a convex lower surface. Light green or reddish-pink coloration predominates, accented by contrasting shades of small raised dots covering the leaf. A new pair of leaves emerges from the fissure in the old pair.

Yellow or yellowish-white solitary flowers 10-15 mm (0.4-0.6 in) in diameter are positioned on peduncles about 5 mm (0.2 in) long. Fragrant flowers feature a large number of long, narrow petals. Height: it grows quickly, but reaches only 20 cm (7.9 in) in height.

Rhinephyllum macradenium is a very small and compact perennial succulent with succulent clumps of smooth leaves reaching only 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) in height. It blooms with small yellow flowers. This species is hardy and relatively frost-resistant.

Before planting, seeds are soaked for 5-6 hours in warm water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate; the planting container is sterilized for 24 hours in a concentrated solution, and the potting mix is scalded with boiling water or baked in the oven. They are then sown into a shallow tray with a mixture of 1 part leaf soil and 2 parts coarse sand and perlite at intervals of 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 in), lightly pressed in, and sprinkled with a thin layer of sand no more than 1 mm (0.04 in) deep. They are moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not under direct sunlight, at a temperature of 22-28 °C (72-82 °F). Seedlings need ventilation and watering. Moistening is still carried out from a spray bottle. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and complete drying out of the sowings. To prevent prolonged condensation buildup, the container is ventilated 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

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An undemanding plant in care that requires a brightly lit, sunny location and does not tolerate waterlogging. Light shading is acceptable only on hot summer days. The leaves acquire a reddish tint when grown in the sun.

During the warm season, normal room temperature is suitable. During the rest period, it must be kept cool - at a temperature around 12 °C (54 °F). The temperature should not drop below 10 °C (50 °F).

Rhinephyllum is able to endure extended periods of drought, but requires thorough watering afterwards. Watering should be moderate in summer with light spraying during extreme heat, and practically absent during winter maintenance. During the dormancy period, one can spray instead of watering. Stagnant moisture is not permitted and soil drying between waterings is required, as the plant is prone to root rot.

The succulent tolerates even the driest air, but will grow better in a location with good air circulation without cold drafts.

It prefers light and loose soils, even very poor in nutrients, with a high content of coarse sand, and requires good drainage. It grows well in a well-drained mixture of sod soil, leaf soil, and sand in a 1:1:2 ratio.

It is fed once during the growing season with fertilizer for cacti and succulents (low in nitrogen) at half strength. Mature plants are repotted before flowering begins once every 2-3 years.