Origin
Avonia papyracea (E.Mey. ex Fenzl) G.D.Rowley subsp. papyracea is a species of succulent plant that belongs to the family Portulacaceae. It is native to Namaqualand in South Africa, and it is commonly found in rocky outcrops, gravel plains, and hillsides.
Common Names
The common names for Avonia papyracea (E.Mey. ex Fenzl) G.D.Rowley subsp. papyracea include Paper-thin Avonia and Crystalline Avonia.
Appearance
Avonia papyracea (E.Mey. ex Fenzl) G.D.Rowley subsp. papyracea is a small, low-growing, succulent plant that forms clusters up to 8 cm in diameter. The leaves are cylindrical or flattened, and they grow up to 8 cm long and 3 mm in diameter. The leaves are blue-green, and they have a papery texture, hence the name Paper-thin Avonia. The plant produces small white or pinkish flowers that grow up to 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
Avonia papyracea (E.Mey. ex Fenzl) G.D.Rowley subsp. papyracea is grown as an ornamental plant. It is suitable for growing indoor or outdoor, and it thrives in well-draining soil with regular watering during the growing season. The plant is also suitable for rock gardens, container gardens, and xeriscaping.
Light Requirements
Avonia papyracea requires bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but its growth may be stunted under low light conditions. Therefore, it's best to place the plant in a south-facing window to guarantee sufficient sunlight. Furthermore, during the winter months, it may require additional artificial light to meet its lighting needs.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F) during the growing season. It can tolerate a minimal amount of cold weather conditions around 10°C (50°F), but extended exposure to low temperatures may lead to stunted growth or death. Avonia papyracea is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11. Therefore, in colder climates, the plant should be grown indoors or in a heated greenhouse to provide a warm environment.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-draining, mineral-rich soil mix. A mixture of cactus soil mixed with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and promote root growth is ideal. The soil should not retain too much moisture; otherwise, it may cause root rot. The pH level of the soil should range from 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly alkaline. Avonia papyracea is susceptible to over-fertilization and should only be fertilized once a month during the growing season using a low-concentration cactus fertilizer or a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Cultivation Methods
Avonia papyracea is classified as a succulent and can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. It thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant should be planted in a location that receives bright indirect sunlight or partial shade. If planting in a pot, ensure that the planting pot has adequate drainage holes and use a soil mix made for cacti and succulents.
Watering Needs
Avonia papyracea, like most succulents, stores water in its leaves. Therefore, this plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant when the soil is completely dry; overwatering can cause root rot, which damages the plant. During winter when the plant is in its dormant phase, watering should be reduced significantly.
Fertilization
Avonia papyracea grows well in lean soil, and excess nutrients can harm the plant. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus should be applied once a month during the growing season. Fertilization should be stopped during the dormant phase in winter.
Pruning
Avonia papyracea rarely requires pruning. However, if the plant has grown too tall and stretched, removing the upper stems and replanting them can help revive the plant's appearance. Prune off any dead or infected stems regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Avonia papyracea (E.Mey. ex Fenzl) G.D.Rowley subsp. papyracea
Avonia papyracea can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
To propagate through seeds, collect ripe fruits and spread them out to dry. Once the seeds are dry, sow them in seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix, and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, at a temperature of around 20-25°C. Germination should take place within 2-4 weeks.
Stem cutting propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take 10-12 cm long cuttings in spring or summer. Leave the cuttings to dry for two days before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. Water the soil and keep it moist, but avoid overwatering. Place the cuttings in a warm, bright location, but away from direct sunlight. New roots should start to grow in 2-3 weeks.
Disease Management
Avonia papyracea is generally not known to be severely affected by diseases. However, there are a few common diseases that might still affect it. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is fungal leaf spot.
The fungal leaf spot appears as small, circular, dark brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. The affected areas may also have a yellow halo around them. If left untreated, the spots may increase in size and number, causing the leaves to wither and die.
To manage fungal leaf spot, one should remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Other than this, it is essential to avoid wetting the foliage while watering and provide adequate spacing between plants to promote good air circulation.
Pest Management
Avonia papyracea is generally not prone to pest infestations. However, mealybugs and spider mites might still pose a threat to the plant.
Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that appear on the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and wither. In severe infestations, the plant may even die.
To manage mealybugs, one should prune away the infected parts of the plant and use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the mealybugs. Alternatively, one may use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to dry out and fall off. They are usually found on the undersides of the leaves and are identified by the fine webs they produce.
To manage spider mites, one should remove the infected parts of the plant and spray it with a stream of water to wash off the mites. Alternatively, one may use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
It is essential to regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest infestation and manage them promptly to prevent further damage.
