Anacampseros telephiastrum variegata

Plant name: Anacampseros telephiastrum variegata ‘Sunrise’

Flowers: Large pink flowers appear on stems above the plants opening only for a few hours in the afternoon in summer.

Foliage: A definite plus for plant enthusiasts, the clusters of very succulent rosettes glow with intense rose, lime, and emerald green with violet pink on the undersides of the leaves.

Planting suggestions/goes great with: It makes an excellent singular specimen plant as well as a low growing fill-in groundcover in mixed succulent plantings.

Habit: Unlike its native form, it does not tolerate intense heat or strong, direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

Season: Year-round USDA Zone 10 - Protect from frost

Where does it come from: As a member of the Portulacaceae family of succulents, Anacampseros is native to a region of South Africa known for another interesting family, the Mesembranthemaceae. More commonly known as “mimicry" plants, they survive their harsh environment by imitating their surroundings. Looking like stones and pebbles they avoid becoming a drink or a meal for a thirsty desert creature. Anacampseros telephiastrum in its normal form takes on a similar tact growing amid the scree in tight rosettes of rather drab shades of greens and other neutral tones creating a tremendous camouflage. Anacampseros telephiastrum variegate ‘Sunrise’ most assuredly arose as a sport in cultivation somewhere as its bright colors would have likely meant certain elimination in its native habitat.

Suggested by: Jessie Keenan of Altman Plants www.altmanplants.com. Available at www.cactusshop.com.

Tips: Include bright filtered light and temperate climate with ample airflow. Provide a porous soil that drains quickly and water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Can be fertilized monthly during warmer months with an all-purpose fertilizer mixed at ? strength.

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