Care of the succulent plant Lapidaria margaretae or Karoo rose |
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The genus Lapidaria, family Aizoaceae, includes a single species of succulent plant native to southern Africa: Lapidaria margaretae. Scientific synonyms: Mesembryanthemum margaretae, Argyroderma margaretae, Dinteranthus margaretae. This species comes from Namibia and South Africa. They are small succulent plants without a stem and little branching that reach 4 cm (1.57") in height. The fleshy rounded-triangular leaves have the appearance of gray stones. The showy yellow flowers appear above the leaves. They bloom in autumn. Due to their small size they are used in pots that are wider than they are deep as indoor plants and on patios and terraces. Lapidaria margaretae needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. In Mediterranean climates it is better to place them in semi-shade avoiding direct sun in the central hours of the day. They resist occasional frosts down to -4 ºC (24.8 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti with 20% coarse sand; place a layer of gravel on the surface of the substrate. Water moderately every 2 weeks in spring and fall; in very hot summers it goes into rest and almost does not have to be watered. In winter water once a month if grown indoors. They do not need fertilizer or pruning. They are plants sensitive to excess humidity and quite resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seed sown in the seedbed in autumn or spring and by division in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Lapidaria margaretae or Karoo rose |
 Lapidaria margaretae  Lapidaria margaretae |