Mestoklema TUBEROSUM

Mestoklema TUBEROSUM - Tuberous Mestoklema, Mestoklema tuberosum.

Mestoklema is a genus of succulent plants in the Ice Plant family (Aizoaceae), native to Namibia and South Africa within the territory of the Cape Province and Free State. Most species grow excellently indoors, bloom, and produce viable seeds.

Members of the genus are slow-growing perennial shrubs 30-60 cm (12-24 in) in height, sometimes reaching up to 1 m (3.3 ft). Large tuberous roots enlarge over time, forming a caudex that protrudes above soil level. Mature plants feature numerous branched, twisting, decumbent stems covered with thick reddish-brown bark that peels naturally. When drying, stems become pale and slightly rough. The length of the stems reaches 10-20 cm (3.9-7.9 in).

Opposite leaves, curved at the tips, have a finely tuberculate structure and a slender triangular or finger-like shape. When shedding, old leaves leave toothed protrusions on the stems formed by axillary fascicles.

Rich inflorescences of small daisy-like flowers up to 5 mm (0.2 in) in diameter appear during the summer months. Flowering continues until late autumn (in nature until February) with yellow, orange, salmon, pink, purple, or white flowers.

After flowering, fruits appear - 5-locular capsules containing smooth brown egg-shaped seeds.

Tuberous Mestoklema is a caudiciform, drought-tolerant species. Swollen roots, each about 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter, form into a cluster up to 20 cm (7.9 in) across. Stems are up to 60 cm (24 in) tall. Leaves are sessile, fleshy, narrow, and green. Flowers resemble daisies, colored reddish, pink, or salmon.

Seeds are sown onto a sandy mixture superficially without covering, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light but not in direct sun at a temperature of 24-28 °C (75-82 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Waterlogging and desiccation of sowings must be avoided.

Shoots appear within 4-7 days and develop rapidly.

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To create a shrub with a pronounced caudex and spreading stems, fulfilling simple requirements is necessary. The plant can grow both in partial shade and under direct sunlight, but bright diffuse light is preferred for optimal development. In the case of artificial lighting, a 150 W lamp is sufficient.

A room temperature of 22-28 °C (72-82 °F) is entirely sufficient for cultivation. The shrubs are capable of withstanding a brief drop in temperature down to -5 °C (23 °F). During dry periods, the shrubs shed infected and weakened stems and leaves.

In hot summer months, air humidity can reach 100%. Watering is carried out 2-3 times a week; on cooler summer days, once is sufficient. In winter, the number of waterings is reduced to once a month. Stagnant water during watering is not permitted.

It grows quite rapidly under favorable conditions. Under natural conditions, the plant develops on poor, sandy soils, so in indoor cultivation one can make do with standard potting mix or succulent substrate. For a mature plant, a 0.5-liter (0.53 qt) pot is sufficient, as the roots grow shallowly.

Fertilizing is not essential and is carried out optionally in spring and summer (during growth and flowering) using cactus fertilizers. They provide the required content of potassium and trace elements. Specialists advise halving the fertilizer rate specified on the packages.

Propagation is possible by seeds, cuttings, and young offshoots that appear next to the shrub as it grows. Cuttings are convenient to harvest during pruning or in autumn. Two to three leaves are left on stem pieces, and they are placed into moist sand or specialized succulent soil. The application of rapid root stimulants is beneficial. The rooting percentage of cuttings is very high.