Care of the plant Dorotheanthus bellidiformis or Livingstone daisy |
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The genus Dorotheanthus, family Aizoaceae, comprises 7 species of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Dorotheanthus bellidiformis, Dorotheanthus apetalus, Dorotheanthus maughanii, Dorotheanthus gramineus, Dorotheanthus rourkei. Common names: Ice Plant Mezoo, Buckbay-vygie, Livingstone Bokbayfig, Livingstone daisy. This species is native to South Africa. They are evergreen plants with a creeping bearing that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. The fleshy leaves measure 10 cm (3.93") and have a lanceolate shape. The abundant flowers are 4 cm (1.57") in diameter and can be purple, white, pink, orange or red. They bloom from late spring to late summer. They are used to form beds and borders in dry areas of the garden and for terraces and balconies in pots. They can be a good substitute for grass in dry and hot regions. Dorotheanthus bellidiformis needs full sun exposure; the flowers do not fully open if they are located in the shade or on cloudy days. They do not tolerate frost. The ideal soil should be well drained and contain organic matter (compost); they can grow in poor, stony, saline or calcareous soils. Planting or transplanting is done in early spring or fall. Water moderately in summer (every 2 weeks if it is very hot) and stop watering during winter. Fertilize in autumn with compost and once in spring with mineral fertilizer. They do not need pruning, but faded flowers and dried buds should be trimmed. They are resistant plants to the habitual plagues; they are sensitive to excess moisture in the substrate. They propagate by seeds sown in late winter in their final location or by cuttings in any season except during flowering. |
Images of the plant Dorotheanthus bellidiformis or Livingstone daisy |
 Dorotheanthus bellidiformis  Dorotheanthus bellidiformis  Dorotheanthus bellidiformis |