Origin
Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. is a species of plant that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. This plant is native to South Africa and it thrives in the arid and semi-arid regions of the country where it can grow successfully in sandy soils.
Common Names
The Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. plant is commonly known as the 'Prince of Wales Feathers' and 'Eleven o’clock plant', because its flowers open every evening around 11 pm and close in the morning. In South Africa, it is also known as 'Vygies' because of its thick, juicy leaves that resemble clusters of tiny grapes.
Uses
The Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its vibrant and colorful flowers. It is a hardy plant that is able to withstand drought and harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal plant for landscaping in dry areas. In addition, some traditional healers use the plant for medicinal purposes, as it is believed to have healing properties for certain ailments such as fever and headaches.
General Appearance
The Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. plant is a small, spreading shrub that grows up to approximately 15 cm in height. Its leaves are small, thick, and succulent, with a blue-green coloration. The plant's flowers are produced in clusters and are characterized by their bright purplish-pink coloration. These flowers open at night and have a sweet fragrance which attracts nocturnal insects such as moths. The plant's roots are exceptionally long and can extend up to 2 meters below the soil surface in search of water.
Growth Conditions of Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw.
Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw., commonly known as Night blooming mesemb, is a drought-tolerant succulent plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is grown as an ornamental plant due to its showy pink flowers that bloom at night. This plant is suitable to be grown in warm, dry environments and requires well-draining sandy soil for healthy growth.
Light Requirements
Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. thrives in full sun exposure with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, it should be planted in a spot where it can receive direct sunlight. Insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth, and the plant may not bloom well. On the other hand, excessive sunlight can cause sunburned leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-15°C) during the night. It is intolerant to frost and cannot survive in temperatures that drop below 32°F (0°C). Therefore, it is preferable to grow this plant indoors or in a greenhouse during the winter season in areas with cold weather.
Soil Requirements
The Night blooming mesemb grows best in sandy soil that is well-draining and has a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, but neutral to slightly acidic soil is preferred. The soil must be fertile and nutrient-rich, but should not retain moisture for long periods, as this can lead to root rot. Therefore, it is recommended to add perlite, sand, or gravel to the soil to improve its drainage.
Cultivation methods
Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. is a hardy plant that is adaptable to various types of soil. However, it prefers sandy, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant requires full sunlight to grow well, so planting it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings. When grown from seed, they should be sowed directly into the soil as they do not transplant well.Watering needs
This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. The soil should be allowed to dry out thoroughly between watering sessions. A general rule of thumb is to water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to the death of the plant. In the case of prolonged droughts, the plants should be watered at least once a week.Fertilization
To keep Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. healthy, it requires regular fertilization. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer should be used every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth. It is recommended to use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen as an excess of nitrogen can cause the plant to produce more foliage than blooms.Pruning
Pruning is not required for this plant. However, it is recommended to deadhead faded flowers to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Deadheading can also prevent the plant from re-seeding and becoming invasive. If the plant becomes overgrown, it can be cut back hard, but be careful not to damage the base of the plant, as this may kill the plant entirely.Propagation of Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw.
Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw., commonly known as the Heartleaf Ice Plant, is propagated through both vegetative and seed propagation methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the process of growing new plants from vegetative parts such as leaves, stems, or roots. Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Stem Cuttings: Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings from semi-hardwood stems in the spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly. Keep the cutting in indirect light and maintain moisture until it roots in four to eight weeks.
Division: Divide the root ball of mature plants in the spring. Gently separate the plants and plant them in well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and keep them in indirect light.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the process of growing new plants from seeds. Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. can be easily grown from seeds.
Direct Sowing: Sow the seeds directly into well-draining soil in the spring after the last frost. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate in two to three weeks.
Indoor Sowing: Start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds in well-draining potting soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water gently and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate in two to three weeks. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they grow big enough to handle. Allow the plants to grow for four to six weeks before planting them outside.
With proper care and maintenance, Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. can be propagated easily through both vegetative and seed propagation methods.
Disease Management
Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. is generally a healthy plant but like other plants, it is also prone to some diseases that may affect its growth and yield. The following are some of its common diseases:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant. It leads to wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage this disease, one should avoid over-watering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-drained. In severe cases, one should consider using copper-based fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a common disease caused by a fungus. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, one should remove and destroy infected leaves and use a fungicide (preferably a sulfur-based fungicide).
- Bacterial Blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes wilting and leaf spotting. To manage this disease, one should remove and destroy infected plant parts and use a copper-based fungicide.
Pest Management
The plant Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw. is also prone to attack by pests which may cause damage to the plant. The following are some of the common pests that may attack the plant:
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that suck the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, one should rinse the plant with water or use an insecticidal soap or oil.
- Thrips: These are small insects that feed on the flowers and leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and scarring. To manage thrips, one should remove and destroy infected plant parts and use a systemic insecticide.
- Aphids: These are small, sap-sucking insects that cause curling and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, one should remove and destroy infected plant parts and use a soap-based insecticide.
By managing diseases and pests effectively, one can ensure the healthy growth and yield of Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L. var. phoeniceum Haw.
