Care of the succulent plant Trichodiadema densum or Miniature Desert Rose |
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The genus Trichodiadema, family Aizoaceae, includes about 40 species of succulent plants native to South Africa. Some species are: Trichodiadema densum, Trichodiadema mirabile, Trichodiadema bulbosum, Trichodiadema calvatum. Common names: Miniature Desert Rose, African Bonsai. Scientific synonym: Mesembryanthemum densum. They are small creeping succulent plants with many branches that form compact groups and reach 10 cm (3.93") in height. The curious cylindrical fleshy leaves are greyish-green in color and have flexible white spines at the apex. The attractive, large pink flowers are 5 cm (1.96") in diameter; they open in the morning and close in the afternoon. They bloom in late winter and early spring and sometimes bloom in the fall as well. They are used in pots that are wider than they are deep, in rockeries and in mini-gardens for cacti and succulents. The Trichodiadema densum prefers a semi-shade exposure receiving direct sun in the early hours of the morning. They resist frost down to -3 ºC (26.6 ºF) if they remain dry. It is very important that the soil has excellent drainage, for which a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents can be used. They are very resistant to drought plants that need moderate watering, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In winter do not water. They do not need pruning or fertilizer. They are plants resistant to the usual plagues but sensitive to the attack of fungal diseases caused by excess humidity. They propagate from seeds sown in spring and by stem cuttings. |
Images of the succulent plant Trichodiadema densum or Miniature Desert Rose |
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