Origin
Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes var. haagei (Tischer) H.Jacobsen, also known as Haage's mesemb, is a succulent plant native to the northern Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names
Haage's mesemb is commonly known by the names of Haage's tower-of-jewels and bossie.
Uses
It is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its unique and attractive appearance. Haage's mesemb is often used in rock gardens, succulent collections, and as a potted plant.
General Appearance
Haage's mesemb is a dwarf succulent that forms small, tight clusters of rosettes with a height of up to 15 cm. The leaves are fleshy, lance-shaped, and triangular in cross-section, with a length of about 2 cm. The leaves have a powdery coating that is gray-green in color and helps to reduce water loss. The plant produces daisy-like yellow flowers with a diameter of up to 1 cm.
Overall, the Haage's mesemb is a striking and distinctive succulent that is sure to capture attention.Light
Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei is a succulent plant and requires maximum light to grow. It should be placed in a bright spot to get enough sunlight every day. Direct sunlight is not harmful to the plant but it should be protected from extreme heat which may burn the leaves.
Temperature
Like most succulent plants, Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei prefers warm temperatures. The plant can grow well at a temperature range of 18-27°C. It can withstand occasional temperature drops but it is not recommended to expose it to frost. If you live in a region with harsh winters, it is better to keep the plant indoors to avoid exposing it to extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei grows well in well-drained soil. The soil should be mixed with sand or perlite to enhance its drainage ability. A soil pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal for this plant to grow. The plant should not be overwatered as it will lead to root rot. It is essential to only water it occasionally and let the soil dry out completely before watering it again.
Cultivation
Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei is a small, slow-growing succulent that is native to South Africa. It prefers bright, direct sunlight and requires well-draining soil to thrive. When selecting a pot, choose one that is slightly larger than the plant's current size to allow for growth. The plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate light, or outdoors in areas with warm and dry climates.
Watering Needs
Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei is a drought-tolerant plant that should be watered sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering, but always be sure to check the soil moisture level before watering. Overwatering can be fatal to this plant.
Fertilization
It is not necessary to fertilize Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei often. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month diluted to 50% strength. However, be sure not to over-fertilize as this can lead to damage. During the dormant season (fall and winter), do not fertilize the plant.
Pruning
Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei does not require pruning as it is a small succulent. However, you can remove any dead or damaged leaves by gently pulling them off the plant. Be careful not to damage the healthy leaves or stem when removing dead parts.
Propagation of Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei
Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei is a succulent plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. It is a slow-growing, clump-forming plant that is native to South Africa, where it thrives in rocky, well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Propagation through Seeds
Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei can be propagated through seeds which must be sowed in a well-draining soil mix during the spring or summer seasons. The seedlings should be kept in a warm, sunny location, and the soil should be kept moist until germination occurs, usually within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have grown larger, they can be transplanted into their own containers.
Propagation through Cuttings
Another means of propagating the plant is through stem and leaf cuttings. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season and allowed to dry for several days before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. When placing the cuttings in soil, make sure the wound area has calloused over as this helps prevent the cutting from rotting. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, sunny location while waiting for the roots to develop, which usually takes several weeks.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is another method that can be used to multiply the plant. It is best done in the spring or summer season when the plant is actively growing. To propagate through division, the plant is removed from its pot, and the root ball is separated into two or more parts. Each part should have its own set of roots and rosette of leaves. Once the divisions are made, they can be planted directly into their own containers and placed in a warm, sunny location.
By following these propagation methods, you can easily multiply your Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei plant and create a collection that is even more vibrant and colorful than before.
Disease and pest management for Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei
Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei, commonly known as tiger jaws, is a succulent plant that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, like all plants, it is still susceptible to certain issues that can affect its health and appearance.
Common diseases
Fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew can occur in Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei, especially if the plant is overwatered or if the soil does not drain well. To prevent these diseases, it is essential to avoid overwatering, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and keep the plant in well-ventilated areas. If the plant has already been infected, the affected parts should be removed, and a fungicide spray can be used to prevent the infection from spreading.
Bacterial diseases can also affect Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei, resulting in rot and wilt. These diseases can be caused by poor sanitation practices, over-fertilization, and overwatering. To prevent bacterial diseases, it is necessary to clean any tools or equipment used on the plant regularly, avoid over-fertilization, and ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. If the plant has already been infected, affected parts should be removed, and a copper fungicide can be used to prevent further infection.
Common pests
The most common pests that can affect Faucaria bosscheana var. haagei are mealybugs and scale insects. These pests suck sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and eventually die. To prevent these pests, it is necessary to keep the plant in well-ventilated areas, avoid over-fertilization, clean any tools used on the plant regularly, and inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation.
If the plant already has a pest infestation, the first course of action is to remove the affected parts. A mixture of water and dish soap can be used to remove mealybugs and scale insects by spraying the solution on the plant and wiping them away with a cloth. Alternatively, a more potent insecticide can be used, but it is essential to read and follow the instructions carefully and use the product in a well-ventilated area.
