Care of the succulent plant Anacampseros telephiastrum or Ruelingia varians |
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The genus Anacampseros, family Anacampserotaceae, includes about 60 species of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Anacampseros telephiastrum, Anacampseros subnuda, Anacampseros rufescens, Anacampseros lanceolata. Scientific synonyms: Anacampseros varians, Ruelingia varians. This species is native to South Africa. They are slow-growing succulent plants with prostrate stems that reach 15 cm (5.9") in height when in bloom. The fleshy triangular leaves form attractive rosettes of green, pink and purple. The flowers are pink, measure up to 3 cm (1.18") in diameter and appear above the leaves. They bloom in spring. Ruelingia varians is used in pots for balconies, terraces and windows, as indoor and greenhouse plants and in mini gardens for cacti and succulents. In frost-free regions it's used in rockeries and hanging on low walls. Anacampseros telephiastrum needs a semi-shade or filtered light exposure receiving direct sun in the early hours of the morning. It resists occasional and very light frosts. The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents with some coarse sand. The transplant is done in early spring. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to dry; every 12-15 days in spring and every 5-7 days in summer. In autumn reduce watering and in winter water 1 time a month at most. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a mineral fertilizer for succulents. Ruelingia varians does not need pruning. Anacampseros telephiastrum is a plant sensitive to excess humidity and can be attacked by mealybugs indoors if there is poor ventilation. Anacampseros varians is propagated quite easily from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings. |
Images of the succulent plant Anacampseros telephiastrum or Ruelingia varians |
 Anacampseros telephiastrum  Anacampseros telephiastrum |