¿You are passionate about succulentsIf the answer is yes, you will discover that the genre Drosanthemum It is a little-explored gem in many gardens, belonging to the Aizoaceae family, where more than 100 different species display an astonishing variety of shapes and colors. In this extensive article, we will provide you with All the keys to the characteristics and care of Drosanthemum, so you can enjoy its vibrant blooms for years and take advantage of its resistance in any outdoor space.
What is Drosanthemum? Origin and varieties
El genus Drosanthemum It stands out among succulent plants for its adaptability and spectacular appearance. Native to South Africa, these plants are naturally found in coastal, arid, and poor-soil areas, which gives them a high resistance to adverse conditions. Their common names vary, and they are known as Pink dew, bladder, Drosanthemum o Dew flower, depending on the species and geographical area.
Among the most widespread species in gardening and succulent collections are:
- Drosanthemum floribundum (scientific synonym: Mesembryanthemum floribundum): Famous for covering entire areas with pink flowers every spring.
- Drosanthemum hispidumKnown for its intense purple color and cylindrical foliage with shiny papillae.
- Drosanthemum bicolor: More bushy in shape, its flowers range from orange-red to yellow.
- Drosanthemum speciosum: Notable for its vibrant flower tones and its use as a ground cover in dry gardens.
- Drosanthemum diversifolium: Interesting in collections due to the variability of its leaves and coloration.
These plants have been successfully incorporated into Mediterranean gardens, rockeries, coastal areas and low-maintenance spaces thanks to its creeping habit, abundant flowering and low water requirements. In addition, some species, such as Drosanthemum bicolor, they reach heights of up to one meter, allowing them to be used in borders and pots for terraces and patios.
Botanical characteristics of Drosanthemum
Drosanthemum is a perennial succulent plant Highly prized for its ornamental qualities and easy maintenance. The most popular species generally have a trailing or hanging habit and do not typically exceed 15-20 centimeters in height, although taller varieties exist.
Among the most relevant characteristics are:
- Leaves: Fleshy, greyish, light green or even bluish in colour, cylindrical or slightly flat in shape. They are covered by crystalline papillae which give them a shiny appearance, which is why they get the name “Drosanthemum”, which means “dew flower”.
- Tallos: Flexible, creeping and sometimes hanging, ideal for covering surfaces, walls or hanging in pots.
- Flores: With numerous, fine petals, they resemble small daisies. They bloom massively in spring and usually almost completely cover the plant. The predominant colors are pink, purple, white, yellow y orange, depending on the species.
- Roots: Superficial but expansive, which facilitates rapid rooting in light and dry soils.
Flowering It generally occurs in spring and can extend into summer depending on the climate and variety. The flowers open during hours of intense sunlight and close at dusk, creating striking visual effects every day.
Ornamental and gardening uses
Drosanthemum is Very versatile and can be used for different purposes in outdoor decoration:
- Ground coverDue to its rapid growth and density, it is ideal as a ground cover in dry gardens, replacing grass in areas with water shortages.
- Rockeries and slopes: It adapts perfectly to rocky areas or slopes where other plants do not thrive.
- Borders and flowerpots: Its compact and attractive size makes it suitable for delimiting flowerbeds, as well as for enhancing planters and pots on patios and balconies.
- Coastal gardens: Its tolerance to salinity makes it one of the best options for gardens close to the sea.
- Pendant: Hanging several meters, it is common to see it in suspended baskets or on walls, creating curtains of color during flowering.
In addition to its ornamental function, Drosanthemum is appreciated in projects sustainable gardening, as it helps control erosion and reduces the need for irrigation.
Basic care of Drosanthemum
La Drosanthemum It's one of the most rewarding succulents to grow both in the garden and in pots. However, to achieve optimal growth and flowering, it's essential to understand its main requirements. Below, we break down each aspect to consider:
1. Exposure and temperature
Drosanthemum needs full sun to thrive and develop its full flowering potential. It's best to place it in locations where it receives direct sunlight for most of the day. It's important to keep some considerations in mind depending on the climate:
- In regions with mild or temperate climates, can be in the sun all year round without any problems.
- In areas of extreme heatDirect sunlight can cause the leaves to turn brown or yellow due to light sunburn. In this case, it's a good idea to provide some shade during the peak hours.
Cold resistance: It tolerates mild frosts down to -5 or -6°C, especially if the plant is already acclimatized. However, young or newly transplanted specimens are more sensitive to intense cold and should be protected during the first few winters.
Indoors, although not ideal, placing the plant next to a bright window and maintaining good ventilation improves its chances, although flowering may be greatly reduced.
2. Soil type and transplant
Drosanthemum grows best in dry, poor, and well-drained soilsIt prefers light, sandy or stony soils, avoiding at all costs compact, clayey soils that retain moisture.
- Substrate preparationMix garden soil with coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. For pots, choose substrates specifically for cacti and succulents.
- Avoid water accumulation which can cause root rot. Use pots with drainage holes.
- TransplantRepot only when you notice roots poking through the holes in the pot or the plant looks too crowded. Because of its rapid growth, it may need to be repotted every 2 or 3 years.
3. Proper irrigation
Excess water is the main enemy of Drosanthemum. Water moderately and only when the soil is completely dry.Some specific watering tips:
- In garden:Watering can be spaced out to intervals of weeks in spring and summer, and virtually suspended in autumn and winter if there is any rain.
- Potted: Allow the substrate to dry completely between waterings. In humid areas, watering once every two weeks may be sufficient.
- Avoid wetting the leaves and flowers to prevent fungus.
- Light watering promotes more intense flowering.
Remember that the succulent leaves store water, so the plant can withstand long periods of drought without suffering.
4. Fertilizing and pruning
The nutrient requirements of Drosanthemum are low, in line with its origin in poor soils:
- Annual subscriber with organic fertilizer in spring, especially on plants in garden soil.
- In pots, you can add specific mineral fertilizer for succulents once or twice in spring.
- Do not overuse fertilizer, as it can encourage soft growth and reduce flowering.
You can prune withered flowers After flowering, prune to encourage the emergence of new shoots and keep the plant more compact. A more intensive trim after the main flowering period helps control growth and prevent bald spots. Do this in early fall.
5. Multiplication and propagation
Drosanthemum is multiplied easily:
- CuttingsThis is the most common and effective method. Take cuttings in late summer or autumn, using any pruning leftovers. Let them heal for a day or two and plant them in dry soil. Ideally, protect the cuttings from intense cold during the first few months.
- SeedsIf you have pollinated flowers and ripe fruit, you can collect seeds and sow them in spring. Germination is rapid if the substrate is kept slightly moist and well-drained.
This ease of multiplication allows you to cover large areas in a short time and share specimens with other hobbyists.
Pests, diseases and common problems
These plants are highly resistant to pests and diseasesHowever, there are some things to keep an eye on to avoid problems:
- Excess irrigationThe greatest risk is waterlogging of the substrate, which can cause root and stem base rot. This manifests as translucent, soft leaves that crumble to the touch. If this occurs, remove the damaged part and let the substrate dry completely before watering again.
- Cochineal: White scale may rarely appear, especially in very humid environments or on weakened plants. Remove it manually or treat with a specific insecticide if necessary.
- Mushrooms: Only in cases of sustained humidity can spots appear on stems and leaves, but this is rare if you follow the watering recommendations.
- nutritional deficienciesIf you notice widespread yellowing and the plant seems to be failing to thrive, check the drainage and add some mineral fertilizer if the substrate is very poor.
Extra tips and interesting facts about Drosanthemum
- Drosanthemum is not walkable and should not be used as a transit lawn.
- Its flowers open only in direct sunlight, creating a visual spectacle on sunny days.
- Due to its resistance to drought and low maintenance, it is one of the most valued succulents in xeriscaping and permaculture.
- It allows for varied shapes and colors in its leaves depending on the species cultivated and even depending on the type of sun exposure received.
With all these care and recommendations, growing Drosanthemum is an excellent option for those who want a showy upholstery, hardy and easy to maintain, capable of transforming dry or poor gardens into veritable flower beds. If you have any questions about the maintenance or cultivation of this spectacular succulent, leave us a comment; we'll answer all your questions so you can enjoy the best gardening experience with Drosanthemum.
