Crassula mesembrianthemopsis

Krasulami the jewel and decoration of each collection is undoubtedly the wonderful species that its species name refers to the similarity with the type of Titanopsis calcarea (formerly Mesembryum calcareum). Dinter, was first described in 1923. (RSN19, 8-10,143-144). Crassula mesembrianthemopsis comes from the north country of Namibia. This is a rare, difficult hledatelný species. First, growing in rough gravel, where špan visible, but mainly on closed, diamond fields, which is free entry prohibited. Probably not growing Crassula mesembrianthemopsis is not an easy matter. I saw a total of two more plants in the collections of experienced growers. According to their appearance were apparent problems with the maintenance of species in cultivation. When compared with our plant roses have been weakened, dilapidated, small, slow growing. While searching for the causes, we concluded that the Crassula required during placement of vegetation outside, not in the greenhouse and wintering with temperatures exceeding 10 ° long c.

The reason why Crassula mesembrianthemopsis hates overheated greenhouse air conditions is the fact that obalstech increasing their presence on the eastern edge of Namibia, around which flows through the cold core Banguelský current. It affects the climate of the western coast of Africa, where it participates in extreme ariditě Namib desert. Arid is a place on land where rainfall is less than evaporation. Characteristic are large amplitude (daily differences) temperatures.

Our krasulku (see photo), we get to the collection a year ago. In average, a total of 5 cm and is composed of a cluster of five small head. We brought it to the end of September. By spring remained in the original "top five" pots placed in a cool place with temperatures around 10 ° C. In the spring got a new dish at an average of 12 cm. Well permeable substrate mixed with a mixture of sand, garden soil and coarse pumice. Because the species form a compact cake, and the location of grows on gravel fields, the surface soil, I poured the rough lava to the sealing of the sheet lying on the wet surface and nezahnívaly, as well as the very neck of the plant. I took this experience of growing Houseleek and Lewisia. From spring to autumn the plant placed on the site protected from rain, the sunlight 10 to 13 hours. Throughout the regular season, mild dressing once a week, soaking. In no case shall the water to come to the surface of leaves.

Exactly these conditions are ideal. Krasula zmohutněla, the entire cluster grew to a diameter of 11 centimeters. The heads are firm, dense and close confinement at this time (for November) plant opens its flowers. Instead of hibernating in the back in the same place as last year.

petrli