Introduction:
Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. is a flowering plant in the family Aizoaceae. It is an attractive plant that can be grown for its beautiful flowers and foliage. It is also used for medicinal purposes in some cultures.Origin:
This plant is native to South Africa and Namibia. It can be found in the wild in rocky areas and dry slopes. It has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and Australia.Common Names:
The plant has several common names, including Gazania rigens, Gazania splendens, and Treasure Flower.Uses:
Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. is primarily grown for its attractive flowers and foliage. The plant produces large, bright flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and white. The flowers open in the morning and close at night, and they can last for several days. The foliage is also attractive, consisting of fleshy silver or green leaves that are shaped like spoons. In some cultures, the plant is used for medicinal purposes. The roots of the plant are believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. The plant is also used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and acne.General Appearance:
Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. is a small, perennial plant that typically grows to be between 6 and 12 inches tall. It has a rounded, spreading form and produces a profusion of blooms in the summer months. The flowers are daisy-like in shape and have a central disk surrounded by ray petals. The leaves are fleshy, succulent, and grow in a rosette pattern. The plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil.Light Requirements
The Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. is a species of plant that requires bright, direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours per day to thrive. Even though the plant can tolerate partial shade, it won't flower as well as it would under full sunlight. It is recommended to grow the plant in a south- or west-facing window or in an open area with lots of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is originally from South Africa, where it grows in hot and dry conditions. Therefore, it prefers warm temperatures, with a minimum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F). At night, the plant can tolerate temperatures around 15°C (59°F), but it won't do well if the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. does well in well-draining, sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow. If you plan to grow the plant indoors, it is recommended to use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and sand or vermiculite to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods
The Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. is a hardy succulent plant that requires minimal cultivation efforts. It can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings and can thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments. For indoor cultivation, provide bright and indirect light for optimal growth, and ensure that the potting soil is well draining. When planting in outdoor environments, make sure to plant in a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
As a succulent plant, the Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. is adapted to store water in its fleshy leaves and stems, making it highly drought resistant. It is recommended to water this plant only when the soil is completely dry. When watering, pour water directly into the pot's soil, avoiding the leaves. Overwatering can cause root rot and may be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization
Using a balanced liquid fertilizer, feed your Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. every four to six weeks during the summer season. Fertilization during the winter season is not required since the plant is in a state of dormancy. However, if it is indoors, ensure that it receives enough light to enable photosynthesis, during which it produces its food.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. However, removing dead or damaged leaves and stems can help promote a neat appearance. To prune, cut the base of the damaged stem or leaf completely from the plant using a sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears. This can also help prevent any potential fungus or diseases from spreading to the rest of the leaves and stems of the plant.
Propagation of Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw.
Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. can be propagated through several methods, including:
Propagation through seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. The seeds can be collected from a mature plant and can be sown in well-draining soil. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is late winter or early spring. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Propagation through cuttings
Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a mature plant and should be around 10 cm in length. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and let it dry for a day or two. Once the cutting has dried, it can be planted in well-draining soil. It is critical to ensure that the soil is kept moist, and the cutting is placed in partial shade until it develops roots, which usually takes around two to three weeks.
Propagation through division
Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. This method is usually used in large plants that have multiple stems. Before dividing the plant, it is essential to ensure that each section has a healthy root system. After division, each section can be planted in well-draining soil and watered adequately until established.
Disease Management
Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots, leading to the decay of the plant. It is common in plants grown in damp soils. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure the soil is well-drained.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. It is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, apply a fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, or sulfur.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungi that attack the leaves, causing dark spots that may lead to the death of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove and discard infected leaves, and apply a fungicide that contains copper.
Pest Management
Mesembryanthemum calendulaceum Haw. is also vulnerable to pest infestations. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant are:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. To control aphids, use a strong stream of water to wash them off the leaves, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and die. To manage spider mites, use a strong stream of water to wash them off the leaves, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand, or apply Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural insecticide that targets caterpillars.
