Cephalophyllum alstonii Seeds - Indigenous Succulent Mesemb - Combined Global Shipping - NEW

Cephalophyllum alstonii Seeds

South African Indigenous Succulent

The Cephalophyllum genus is placed in the Aizoaceae family and consists of 33 species. The genus name is derived from the Greek words cephalos (head) and phyllon (leaf), and refers to the compact heads of leaves in several species. These succulent mesemb plants are from diverse habits. Almost all the species have very attractive flowers and some of them are variable in colour within populations. Cephalophyllums, being indigenous to south-western South Africa grow in autumn and winter and enjoy ample water at this time. They are a more refined ground cover than Carpobrotus or Malephora, but are a little more fragile. The added benefit is the magnificent flowers during winter. Cephalophyllum species seeds should be sown in autumn or sown in winter. Most grow well in containers and rockeries. Propagation can be done by means of seed and cuttings. Sow seed in autumn or winter. Prepare shallow seed trays containing well-drained, coarse river sand. First water the tray with a fine rose spray before sowing. The seed should be sown evenly on the medium and covered with a thin layer of sand of about 1mm deep. Keep seed tray moist, not wet. Transplant seedlings in spring in a 500ml bag in a well-drained mixture of 4 parts fine river sand : 2 parts coarse river sand : 4 parts well-rotted compost : 2 parts perlite : 1 part vermiculite. Cuttings can also be taken in winter with a sharp knife. To enhance rooting success, use a rooting hormone powder. Long trailing pieces of the plant can be cut and layered in a coarse sandy mixture, resulting in many small plantlets. White scale insects are sometimes found on the leaves of the plant. Careful monitoring of the plant for this pest on a weekly basis is very important. Cephalophyllum alstonii is a creeping perennial succulent, ideal as a groundcover, or as a pot plant on a patio. The spectacular, large phenomenally brilliant true red blooms without even a hint of yellow attract insects when the flowers open. The 7.5cm across silky-glowy flowers appear mostly in spring and again in autumn & winter. This species occurs in the Ceres Karoo area and receives mainly in winter rain. This popular, water-wise garden plant is successfully used to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the exposed ground. It has good looking bright green succulent finger-like leaves to only 9cm tall and spreads slowly to about 35cm across, making it an excellent choice as a small-scale groundcover, in rock gardens, succulent gardens & containers.