The Anacampseros Telephiastrum ‘Variegata’ is a succulent plant that belongs to the family of the Portuláceas and is of South African origin.
This plant grows forming rosettes that vary from green to scarlet red.
The underside of the leaves usually has a purplish-pink tone.
As this plant grows, it emits new rosettes and forms a large upholstery carpet on the floor.
The Anacampseros Telephiastrum is a plant that spreads easily but only reaches a height of about 15 cm.
In summer it emits some floral stalks, at whose end the flowers appear at the end of summer.
These flowers are pink and about 3.5 cm in diameter.
It is an excellent plant for growing in a pot and we can have it both indoors and outdoors, provided we live in a place of mild climate.
Anacampseros is an excellent plant for container cultivation, as it looks good and stays small.
It looks good in a greenhouse and cold frame.
It also works well outdoors on raised beds and terraces.
Tips to take care of the Anacampseros Telephiastrum
Illumination
The Anacampseros grow well in partial sun, with a bright light that improves the colors of the leaves and keeps them compact.
Temperatures
Although it is a resistant plant, it does not tolerate extreme heat or cold. The maximum temperature is 25 º C to 28 º C and the minimum is -1 º C to -2 º C
Substratum
They require a sandy soil of free drainage with added organic material and low to moderate irrigation.
Watering
Like most succulents, the Anacampseros Telephiastrum are prone to rot.
For this reason, it is important to take care of irrigation.
In summer we can water the plant 2 to 3 times a week and in winter 1 to 2 times a month, always ensuring that between irrigation and irrigation, the substrate is completely dry.
Plagues and diseases
Anacamps can be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be almost free of pests, particularly if grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation.
However, we must be aware of any significant decrease in the health of the plant.
Since, this may indicate a pest problem that must be addressed quickly to avoid scars, stunted growth, and even death.
Flowering
It blooms in summer.
It forms fine floral wands that protrude from the vegetation at the end of summer, the flowers are very pretty, and are about 3 cm in diameter.
They have five elongated petals of violet-pink very decorative, the center is white and the end of its stamens is yellow.
Propagation
The Anacampseros can be cultivated from seeds or also by cuttings.
To sow by cuttings you just have to remove one of the cuttings and let it rest for a few days and then sow the cuttings in a new pot.
If you are wanting to grow from seed, be aware that this succulent is slow-growing, and it may take some time before it blooms for the first time.
Transplant
Once a year it is convenient to transplant the Anacampseros Telephiastrum to a larger pot.
In this operation, we will take good care not to damage the roots.
Fertilizer
Feed a high-potassium fertilizer in summer during the growing season diluted to a quarter of the powder and mix in the shower for application.
Also as fertilizer, we can use a dilution of liquid fertilizer rich in potassium and diluted in water to 1/4 part of what is recommended by the manufacturer.
Prune the plant
This plant does not need to be pruned, you just have to remove the damaged or rotten leaves.