Anacampseros telephiastrum / 20 seeds

Displaying extremely attractive structure and colors, Anacampseros telephiastrum is a small succulent native to the southern Karoo region of the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa and is spread from Somerset East in the east to Robertson in the west. Anacampseros telephiastrum is a branching species with loosely held 18mm long fleshy pink and green leaves with tiny points (mucros) and papillae at their tips. As its rosettes grow and reach maximum height, they usually tip over and start growing horizontally. It can creep outwards forming a mat. In containers it trails over the edge, making it an excellent ‘filler’ or ‘spiller’. Axillary hairs or bristles of Anacampseros telephiastrum are relatively few and shorter than leaves, sometimes so short that they’re hardly visible. They help the plant survive droughts by trapping water vapor from the air. In the summer, Anacampseros telephiastrum produces beautiful pink flowers that open in the afternoon and close by nightfall. Flower stalks protrude from the leaf tips. Since the flowers last only for one day, you’ll have to keep an eye to see the lovely bloom.

Anacampseros telephiastrum, in its habitat, co-occurs with many related species, but does well in specific conditions. It inhabits locations that are slightly more arid than the ones where Anacampseros retusa grows. However, in locations still more arid, they cannot survive and are replaced by Anacampseros arachnoides.

You should water this plant sparingly and the soil should be extremely well-draining as its roots are prone to rot. It’s dormant in the winter and then you should water it even less and only when the soil is completely dry. When the plant needs water, its leaves wrinkle slightly. If you notice that, you should water it immediately.

Besides rot, Anacampseros telephiastrum is virtually problem-free. They are robust, drought-tolerant and easily adaptable plants and are extremely beautiful.

Despite being native to Africa, Anacampseros telephiastrum is not very tolerant to direct sunlight or extreme heat. They love bright, but indirect sunlight and temperate conditions with proper airflow. If you live in regions colder than USDA Zone 10a, you should grow this plant in containers which you can bring indoors during cold months. Anacampseros telephiastrum shows its most vibrant colors when it receives bight sunlight.

Anacampseros telephiastrum can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.