Anacampseros RETUSA 'RUBRA'

Anacampseros RETUSA 'RUBRA' - Red blunt-leaved anacampseros, Anacampseros retusa 'Rubra'.

Anacampseros is a genus of succulent plants in the family Portulacaceae, comprising about 30 species and distributed in Southern Africa.

Plants of this genus are compact perennial succulents with fleshy leaves gathered in dense basal rosettes. Shoots are short, often barely noticeable. Leaves can have a waxy surface or be covered with sparse hairs.

Flowering occurs in spring or summer. Flowers are solitary or gathered in small inflorescences, usually bright pink or purple, opening in sunny weather. Fruits are capsules containing small seeds.

Red blunt-leaved anacampseros is a miniature perennial succulent up to 10 cm (3.9 in) tall. Shoots are shortened; leaves are dense, fleshy, obovate, with a rounded apex, dark pink or purple with a violet tint. Under bright lighting, the coloration becomes especially intense.

Flowering is observed from spring to the end of summer. Flowers are solitary, bright pink, with five petals, up to 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter, opening in sunny weather. Fruits are small capsules containing numerous tiny black seeds.

Seeds are very small, about 0.5-1 mm (0.02-0.04 in) long, dark and numerous, contained in dry capsules. When stored properly, the germination rate is 60-80%. Sowing is carried out exclusively on the surface, as seeds are too small for burying. A light mineral substrate of sand and perlite is used; addition of a small amount of leaf mold or vermiculite is permissible. The surface of the substrate is moistened with a spray bottle and, if necessary, sprinkled with a thin layer of fine gravel to stabilize the planting. The container is covered with film or a transparent lid and ventilated daily. Germination temperature is maintained at 20-26 °C (68-79 °F) in diffused light; bottom watering via a tray is preferred.

Seedlings appear after 10-20 days, the minimum period is about a week, while the maximum possible may exceed 35 days. After the appearance of 1-2 true leaves, careful pricking out into individual containers is carried out. Young plants are provided with good lighting without direct sunlight and moderate watering without stagnant moisture. Vegetative propagation is used frequently: lateral rosettes easily detach and root in a dry mineral substrate.

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Anacampseros prefers bright lighting; direct morning and evening sun is tolerated well. To preserve ornamental coloration, high light intensity is provided; in the winter period, supplemental lighting is used. With a lack of lighting, leaves become pale and turn green.

During the warm season, a temperature of 20-28 °C (68-82 °F) is maintained. In winter, a decrease to 12-16 °C (54-61 °F) is permitted with an almost complete absence of watering. Watering is carried out after the substrate dries out completely, in minimal volume. Waterlogging is eliminated, as roots are easily damaged.

A mineral substrate is used, very loose and fast-drying, with the addition of pumice, sand, perlite, and a small amount of leaf mold. A shallow pot is chosen, with a mandatory thick drainage layer. Repotting is performed in spring as needed by the transshipment method.

Feedings are applied once every 3-4 weeks during the period of active growth, using fertilizers for succulents with reduced nitrogen content. Shaping is not required; only removal of old and dried leaves is carried out. Propagation is carried out by seeds and lateral rosettes.