Lapidaria margaretae, commonly called Karoo Rose, is a monotypic genus used nowadays to be included in Argyroderma. It's origin is in Southern Namibia and Northern Cape in South Africa. It grows sunken, on quartz plains, or in crevices, or red sand, usually in Northeast-facing gentle hill slope.
These are short stemmed succulents which grow in clumps of up to eight leaves together. In ideal light, they take on an almost lavender color, especially along the leaf margins. They produce large gorgeous vivid yellow-orange flower.
Hardiness zones 9-11, (-5°C/25°F, 4°C/40°F). Water during the growing season about once every one-two weeks, depending on the humidity of the air, like a cactus, and then leave it to drain well and to dry out completely before watering again. If in doubt, don't water; it is unlikely to die from underwatering. Do not over-water as they are very greedy drinkers and split within a day or so if given too much water. Use a commercial cactus and succulent soil mixture. Grow in full sun.
Label |
No |
Common name |
Karoo Rose |
Family |
No |
Genus |
No |
Species |
Lapidaria margaretae |
Cultivar |
No |
Therapeutic uses |
No |
Germination |
Sow seed in pots or trays of moist peat/sand mix compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25ºC (68-77ºF). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 30-180 days, it can take longer, don't give up.
|
Scarification / Stratification |
No |
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