Fat family. The homeland of North Africa (Morocco) and the nearby Azores, Canary and Madera Islands, later Portugal became the second homeland of some species of aichrison. It is a genus of succulent plants with about 15 species. Among them are annual, biennial and perennial plants, small shrubs with delicate pubescent leaves. The historical habitats of the aichrison are undergrowth of laurel forests (monteverde), located at altitudes of 400-1500 m above sea level, and are currently on the verge of extinction; as well as undergrowth of pine forests located at altitudes of 1200-2000 m above sea level.
Aichryson laxum, loose or open, is the most common species, both in its homeland and on the windowsills of amateur flower growers. Bush-shaped densely branched plant from 20 to 50 cm in height. The leaves are ovate, green, about 0.5-1.5 cm wide, petioles about 0.5 cm long, reddish. The leaves are succulent, with fine, dense whitish pubescence on both sides. The inflorescence is multi-flowered, bearing up to 50 stellated yellow flowers, peduncles with a beautiful reddish tint. There is an opinion that the plant dies after flowering. In fact, this species is biennial (the first year is vegetation, the second is flowering), but can be grown as a perennial. The fact is that after flowering, which lasts 4-6 months, the bush is severely depleted, the shoots are exposed from below. Aichryson laxum flowers easily and reproduces easily by self-seeding, but flowering specimens do not live for more than two years.
To grow it as a perennial, we need to trim peduncles. However, it is sometimes simply impossible to resist and prevent flowering, which can be very abundant and colorful. But during lush flowering, the aichrysone loses its leaves, sometimes almost completely. To preserve and grow a new plant, cut and root cuttings at the beginning of flowering. It is possible to resume bushes from the cutting in the spring, but with the end of flowering it may be too late, cuttings from abundantly flowering bushes rarely take root.
Aichryson domesticum aichryson is a hybrid obtained by crossing two species: Aichryson tortuosum and Aichryson punctatum. This is a shrub-like branched plant up to 15 cm in height, shoots are densely leafy, somewhat lying, reach a length of 20-30 cm. The leaves sit tightly, forming a semblance of rosettes. The leaves are elongated-ovate or club-shaped - the base of the leaf, narrowing, smoothly passes into a very short petiole; green, about 1-2 cm wide, juicy, with very fine whitish pubescence on both sides. There is a variegate variegated shape with yellow, almost white and reddish spots.
This species is grown in ordinary pots and small hanging planters. Compared to the previous species, "Aichryson x domesticum" is more drought tolerant, requiring soil in composition as it does for cacti (more sand and gravel), and variegated forms require better illumination (with some direct sun in the morning or evening).
Photo Aichryson x domesticum credit: Iwona Kolodziej (raflezja), Cracow, Poland: Other successors.
Aihrizon Care
Temperature: In nature, Aichryson Aichryson grows over a wide range of temperatures. But at home, a moderate temperature is preferred to maintain a decorative appearance. In winter, the rest period is about 10-14 ° С, the winter minimum is + 8 ° С.
Lighting: Bright diffused light, possible direct sun in summer only early in the morning, before 11 o'clock or after 16 in the evening. Aichrison does not tolerate the midday sun in summer, but it is still not a shade-tolerant plant. If there is not enough light, the shoots from below are strongly exposed. In central Russia, from October to February, you can even keep on the southern windowsill.
Watering: During the growing season, watering is moderate, the soil should have time to dry well. When kept in a cool room in winter, watering is rare, almost dry. In general, in relation to the aichrison, as well as to all fat ones, the rule is true: they are easier to tolerate drying than waterlogging of the soil.
Fertilizer: From late spring to August, once every 3-4 weeks with special fertilizer for cacti or succulents.
Air humidity: Aichrysons are resistant to dry air, do not need spraying.
Transplant: The root system in aichrison is weak, superficial, deep pots and heavy soil are contraindicated to them - roots easily rot. Usually enough pots are 10-12 cm in diameter for one adult plant. The soil should be nutritious, rich in humus, well drained. Approximate composition of the soil mixture: 1 part of turf, 1 part of sheet (or peat) land, 1 part of coarse river sand, 1 part of fine 3-4 mm gravel (or expanded clay). It is useful to add pieces of birch coal to the soil.
Reproduction: Seeds and stem cuttings, less often leaf. Cuttings can be rooted in water or in moist vermiculite, which is more preferable, since cuttings often rot in water. If you are unable to root the handle in water, put a tablet of activated charcoal in a glass of water.