Argyroderma care how to grow at home

Argyroderma (Argyroderma) is a succulent plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. These plants come from the Cape Province of Africa, South Africa and the Peruvian desert. They prefer to grow on sandy and rocky ground, while, in order to protect themselves from extreme heat, such plants are able to “bury” in the sand.

This genus of plants was named in this way due to the not quite usual silvery color of its leaves. So, in translation from Latin “argyrum” means “silver”, and “derma” – “skin”.

Such a dwarf succulent plant is flowering and has an external resemblance to pebbles. Argyroderma is preferred to grow in small groups. The leaf rosette includes 2 or 4 fleshy greenish-gray, half-accrete leaves, which have a semicircular shape. Such leaves face each other with flat surfaces. In most species, the diameter of the leaflets does not exceed 2โ€“3 centimeters, and at the same time there is a relatively deep, clearly pronounced strip, which separates the leaf pair (which is not the case for lithops). Young leaves grow directly between the old ones, which then fade. A short peduncle grows from between the leaf groove. In most cases, the flowers are solitary and have numerous petals. Flowers of three centimeters in diameter can be colored yellow, white or pink and they have a strong external resemblance to daisies. The flowers are bisexual, and cross-pollination is required to harvest the seeds. Under natural conditions, pollination of such a succulent occurs with the help of insects. Accidental hybridization is not uncommon in culture. In this regard, during the flowering period, various species and varieties must be somehow separated from each other. Pollination is required to be carried out independently with a brush.

The fruits ripen for a rather long time, usually until April or March of the next year. The fruits are closed capsules, which have a diameter of about 0,9-1,2 centimeters, and they are formed by accretion of carpels. These capsules are divided into cells, of which there are from 8 to 28 pieces. Ripe cells have a mechanism for the expansion of the keels of the lids when exposed to liquid. So, while it rains, the lids open, then the falling raindrops easily knock out the ripe seeds, and they, in turn, scatter a not very large distance from the mother plant. When grown indoors, there are 2 ways to collect seeds. First, you can knead the capsules and select the seeds. And secondly, these fruits should be lowered “upside down” into a small container filled with water. After the caps open, the seeds will sink to the bottom. They should be removed from the water and dried in a shaded area.

Argyroderma care at home

Argyroderma care how to grow at home

Illumination

This plant requires bright lighting throughout the year.

Temperature conditions

In summer, the plant grows normally and develops at room temperature. In winter, it needs coolness from 12 to 15 degrees. In this case, be sure to make sure that the room is not colder than 8 degrees.

Humidity

It is quite suitable for living in low humidity of urban apartments.

How to water

Watering is carried out only during intensive growth and flowering. It is necessary to water through the pallet and only after the earthen lump dries completely. Make sure that there is no liquid stagnation in the sump. From about October to April, argyroderma does not need to be watered at all. At this time, the leaves can completely dry out and wrinkle strongly, but watering, even in this case, cannot be done.

Additional fertilizing

Top dressing should be carried out only during the formation of buds, as well as flowering, while using a weak solution of fertilizer intended for cacti.

Transplant Features

Argyroderma care how to grow at home

The transplant is carried out before the period of intensive growth begins, once every 1 or 2 years. A suitable dredge consists of 3 parts of leafy soil and 2 part of sand. After transplanting, the soil surface is sprinkled with a layer of coarse sand. If you wish, you can buy soil for cacti. The planting container should be low and wide. There must be good drainage holes at its bottom. Also make sure to make a good drainage layer at the bottom of the container.

Methods of reproduction

You can propagate it by dividing an overgrown group of plants during the transplantation process, as well as by seeds.

Sowing is recommended in the last weeks of February and the first in March. In this case, additional lighting is not required, and the plant will get strong enough before winter. For sowing, cactus soil is used. You need to put seeds on its surface and sprinkle them with a thin layer of coarse sand, while the distance between them should be at least half a centimeter. The container must be covered with glass or foil and placed in a warm place (20-25 degrees). During the first month, airing is carried out once a day for 1-1 minutes. Then this procedure is carried out several times a day, and their duration should be from 2 to 5 minutes. After 10 weeks after sowing, it is recommended to remove the shelter altogether. Watering is carried out by lowering the pot into a container of water until the soil gets wet. You should choose a brightly lit place, but there should be no direct rays of the sun. The first seedlings will appear about a week after sowing, while the total germination lasts from 8 to 30 days. The flowering of young plants is observed 40 or 3 years after sowing.

Basic views

Argyroderma crateriforme

Argyroderma care how to grow at home

In this dwarf succulent, in a pair of leaves, the diameter can vary from 1 to 2 centimeters. The fleshy leaves, which have grown together at the base, are semi-ovate, with the side of the accretion being flat. The appearance of the flower occurs from between the leaf groove. Outwardly, it is similar to a daisy and has glossy rich yellow petals, whitish stamens, and at the same time its anthers are yellow in color.

Argyroderma ovale

Argyroderma care how to grow at home

Dwarf succulent. The rosettes contain from 2 to 4 juicy cylindrical leaves, which can be colored in various shades from greenish gray to lime green. The flowers are solitary with a short peduncle and they grow between the upper leaves. The diameter of the flower can vary from 1 to 3 centimeters, and at the same time it can be painted in yellow, white or pink.

Argyroderma testiculare

Argyroderma care how to grow at home

Dwarf succulent. The diameter of each leaf rosette can reach 2,5โ€“3 centimeters, while they include fleshy leaves that are relatively thick. They face each other with flat surfaces, and can be painted greenish-blue or grayish-blue. It happens that there are also small dots on the surface. From between the leaf groove, a short peduncle grows, which bears a flower that looks like a chamomile. Its diameter is about 4 centimeters, and its color is pink. At the end of flowering, old leaves begin to die off, and young ones replace them.

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Anna Evans

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