Pterodiscus aurantiacus - 5 seeds
Pterodiscus aurantiacus - 5 seeds
Pterodiscus aurantiacus is a perennial succulent herb, up to 30 cm high, that grows from a large underground beet-like caudex. Its elongated, slightly succulent leaves are covered with mucilaginous hairs. Solitary flowers with orange-red to vermilion corollas are borne in the leaf axils. The specific name refers to the flower color. The indehiscent fruit is four-winged and often has a violet hue.
Pterodiscus aurantiacus grows relatively easily and doesn't produce as many stems and leaves as other caudiciforms, making its management easier.
Growth rate: It grows well, though very slowly, but it possible to increase the speed of growth to some extent by providing adequate amount of water, warmth, and fertilizer during the active growing season, but it’s susceptible to rotting if too wet.
Potting medium: Since roots are quite succulent, use a slightly acidic cactus mix or add extra perlite, vulcanite or pumice to regular soil potting soil. A gritty, very free-draining compost is suitable, and clay pots help the plants to dry out between watering. It like pots with generous drain hole, re-pot every 2 years.