Titanopsis is a miniature “warty” plant from the succulents family, which can often be found in flower shops. What is known about this amazingly beautiful "stone flower"?

African guest

Relatives and neighbors of this amazing plant on our planet are the inhabitants of the deserts of Africa and Namibia, "living stones" lithops and argyroderma.

"Lime like that"

Titanopsis was discovered by the famous South African botanist Rudolf Marlot in 1907. On a regular expedition in the desert, Marlot accidentally leaned on his hand, crushed it and only then realized that it was a living plant, not a piece of limestone in abundance nearby. So the generic name titanopsis appeared, from the Greek words titanos “lime, gypsum” and opsis "similar." Now in the genus, there are from 4 to 8 indistinguishable species.

The pot for titanopsis should not be taken very low - in the ground at titanopsis the root root, which requires a certain space.

Moisture retention

To breed this “baby” you will need an earthen mixture with humus, sand and small pebbles. If it is possible to get a shell, broken brick or limestone - use them. In a word, all materials that do not feed and do not retain water. And, as always for cacti, sprinkle the earth with pebbles on top.

A lot of sun - a little water!

The root of the titanopsis is pivotal, so do not buy small dishes. And yet, the root does not withstand overheating - organize a good drainage! The combination of a large amount of sun and scarce watering will allow the plant to express itself most fully, while preserving the juiciness and compactness.

The combination of a large amount of sun and scarce watering will allow the plant to express itself most fully, while preserving the juiciness and compactness.

Southwestern

The side on which your cactus will show off, choose the south or south-west, with sufficient lighting. If there were few sunny days all winter, then in order to avoid burns, with the advent of spring, shade the plant.

Temperature mode

Titanopsis are not afraid of temperature differences. They are able to withstand fluctuations from + 40 ° C to frost. Lower temperatures are not afraid of them, provided they are completely dry. But in winter, it is better to ensure a temperature of at least + 12 ° C.

Blooming "stone"

Flowering will begin in late August, when peduncles with buds covered with papillae begin to appear from the very center of the outlet. With a quick inspection, they can be mistaken for new leaves. But this is not surprising, they are just disguised as stones.

Titanopsis can withstand a wide range of temperatures - from 40-degree heat to short-term frosts

The flowers themselves have the size of a cherry, yellow. These "daisies" open only in bright sunlight and bloom for several days. Do not be surprised if in cloudy weather, in the evening or in the morning they will be “inaccessible” to the eyes of your guests. So these crumbs are arranged, because they have to adapt to natural phenomena.

Breeding issue

Titanopsis can be propagated by seed or division of overgrown plants. Each divide must have roots. It can be slightly dried or immediately planted in a dry substrate with a high sand content.

Transfer

The most suitable time for a transplant is July-August. You can use special feeding for cacti, which are sold in flower shops.

Titanopsis can be propagated by seed or division of overgrown plants.

Active mode

Starting in the second half of summer, titanopsis pass from standby to active. At the same time they are watered, but not too abundantly, and, of course, drying out the soil.