Care of the succulent plant Lampranthus falcatus or Mesembryanthemum falcatus |
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The genus Lampranthus, family Aizoaceae, comprises 250 species of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Lampranthus falcatus, Lampranthus zeyheri, Lampranthus blandus, Lampranthus aureus, Lampranthus amoenus, Lampranthus multiradiatus, Lampranthus spectabilis. Scientific synonyms: Mesembryanthemum falcatus. This species is native to South Africa. They are sub-shrubby succulent plants with erect stems and rounded bearing that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. They have small fleshy gray-green leaves with transparent dots. The abundant and showy flowers are purple-pink with a yellow center. They bloom in early spring. They are used in rockeries, on dry slopes and in pots for terraces and balconies. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Lampranthus falcatus is an easy-growing plant that needs a very sunny exposure (south orientation) to bloom profusely. They resist occasional frosts down to -6 ºC (21.2 ºF). They can grow in any type of well-drained soil (even poor, stony soils). Planting or transplanting is done in spring. They are very resistant to drought plants that need little watering and maintenance. Wait for the substrate to dry completely before watering. Fertilize in early spring with compost. Prune withered flowers. They are plants resistant to pests but sensitive to excess moisture. They propagate from cuttings in early fall and from seeds sown in late winter. |
Images of the succulent plant Lampranthus falcatus or Mesembryanthemum falcatus |
 Lampranthus falcatus  Lampranthus falcatus  Lampranthus falcatus  Lampranthus falcatus |