Aizoaceae MIXED, South Africa

Aizoaceae MIXED - Ice plant family, South African seed mix of various genera and species (from Aloinopsis to Vanheerdea).

The ice plant family (Aizoaceae), also known as Aizoon or Mesembryanthemum family, is a family of flowering plants represented by leaf succulents and semi-succulents, uniting 5 subfamilies with more than 140 genera and 2,200 species. In its species diversity, Aizoaceae is second only to the cactus family (Cactaceae). Most representatives are endemic to arid regions of southern Africa, but very many varieties grow in Oceania, Europe, Australia, and on the Pacific coasts of the USA and Chile.

Most representatives are small plants with moisture-storing fleshy stems and thin or thickened leaves protected by a dense skin against the scorching sun. Very many species from different genera are called living stones for their resemblance to small desert pebbles among which they grow.

Herbs, dwarf shrubs, stemless or rosette succulents form dense clumps and spread very slowly, each year producing a new pair of leaves to replace the dying old one. Paired succulent leaves are usually entire, less often with toothed margins.

Many varieties bloom with medium-sized, very bright and beautiful flowers with slender petals reminiscent of glossy daisies of yellow, white, or carmine-red color. The leaves and berries of some species are edible.

Among the most frequently grown representatives of the Aizoaceae family are Lithops, Conophytum, Aloinopsis, Faucaria, Trichodiadema, Mesembryanthemum, Caralluma, Antimima, Frithia, Delosperma, Argyroderma, Bijlia, Carruanthus, Aptenia, Carpobrotus, and Dorotheanthus.

Aizoaceae MIXED is a high-quality seed mix of numerous South African genera and species, sometimes very rare, of succulents in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae).

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 saturated solution, and the planting mix is doused with boiling water or baked in the oven. Next, they are sown in a shallow dish with a mix of 1 part leaf soil and 2 parts coarse sand and perlite at intervals of 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 in), lightly embedded, and dusted with a thin layer of sand no more than 1 mm (0.04 in). They are moistened with 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). Sprouts require ventilation and watering. Moistening continues to be performed with a spray bottle. It is necessary to avoid overwatering and complete drying out of sowings. To prevent long retention of condensation, the container is ventilated 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

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Aizoaceae grow in some of the most arid regions of the planet with minimal precipitation and nutrients. They are adapted to surviving in loamy and sandy soils at hot temperatures. In cultivation, some species are quite finicky and require stable and proper care. In areas where sub-zero temperatures do not occur, plants are used as ornamental groundcovers.

Watering requirements vary depending on the succulent's region of origin and its ability to develop during the winter period. It must be taken into account that in the Southern Hemisphere it is climatic summer while in the Northern Hemisphere it is winter, and vice versa.

Most representatives grow very slowly. For reproduction of nearly all Aizoaceae, an additional partner plant of the same species is necessary. Pollination is performed artificially using a soft brush. Seeds usually mature in 2-3 months.