month is the common name under which various species of creeping succulent plants native to southern Africa are grouped. These plants stand out for their fast growth, its great resistance to drought and high temperatures and, above all, to its beautiful and long-lasting floweringIdeal for xeriscaping, ground covers, rockeries, slopes, planters, and pots, mesems have become a perfect solution for both coastal gardens and sunny terraces and balconies. Throughout this article, you'll learn all about mesem care, creeping plants, the most well-known species, cultivation and flowering tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is Mesem and what are its main varieties?
month It is a generic and commercial term that groups several species of the family Aizoaceae, mainly of the genres Lampranthus, Mesembryanthemum, apthenia and some carpobrotusThey all have in common their creeping or hanging appearance, fleshy leaves adapted to dry climates, and brightly colored flowers resembling small daisies.
- Lampranthus: The best known genus, with more than 250 species such as Lampranthus aureus, L. spectabilis, L. zeyheri, and L. multiradiatus. Its flowers can be red, orange, lilac, pink, white or yellow.
- Mesembryanthemum: Includes the popular "Livingstone daisy" or "frosted" (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), appreciated for its foliage with shiny papillae and abundant flowers.
- Apthenia cordifolia: Also called RocÃo or Escarcha, it is a compact and rapid horizontal growth, ideal for covering surfaces and with small fuchsia or red flowers.
- carpobrotus: Often referred to as "lion's claw", it is perfect for coastal gardens and tolerates soils poor and saline.
All of these species are ideal for covering large areas, decorating walls and slopes, or adding color to sunny spaces.
Characteristics of mesems: How to identify them
- Leaves: Small, fleshy, in bright green tones, they often present reddish or purple hues according to the variety.
- Doors: They are plants with creeping or hanging growth, with low bushes that reach between 10 and 20 cm tall and can spread rapidly.
- Flowering: Produces a multitude of daisy-like flowers in intense colors ranging from red, magenta, lilac, orange, yellow to whiteFlowering typically extends from early spring to late summer, depending on the climate and the species. The flowers usually open with the sun and close at night or on cloudy days.
Many mesem species are considered optimal for xeriscaping designs due to their low water requirement, fast coverage of the terrain and the ability to cover even the most complicated areas.
Uses and benefits of Mesem creeping plants
- Coverers and upholsterers: Perfect for covering large areas, slopes, embankments and inclines where other plants do not thrive, forming true "magic carpets" of color.
- Low-maintenance gardening: Their resistance to drought and salinity means they require very little watering and almost no special attention.
- Decorative: In rockeries, borders, pots, planters and as hanging plants on balconies and terraces.
- Xeriscaping and sustainability: Ideal for low water consumption gardens and for coastal areas exposed to sea air and poor soils.
Mesem Care Guide, Creeping Plants
Maintaining a healthy and vigorous mesem is very simple if you follow these fundamental tips:
Location and sun exposure
Mesem needs full sun to achieve abundant and colorful blooms. Although it can adapt to semi-shade, flower production will be much lower. Always look for the sunniest areas of the garden, balcony, or terrace to place your plants.
In addition to resisting the intense heat In summer, many varieties also tolerate mild cold, but They do not tolerate strong frostsIn regions with harsh winters, it is preferable to grow them in pots and protect them from extreme cold.
Soil and substrate type
- Drainage: It is essential that the soil or pot have a excellent drainage to avoid waterlogging, since excess water quickly causes root rot and fungal diseases.
- Composition:: Mesems thrive in poor, sandy or stony soils. If growing in a pot, use a substrate for cacti and succulents, or mix universal soil with coarse sand or perlite.
- SalinityMany species, such as some Lampranthus, tolerate some soil salinity, making them suitable for seaside gardens.
Irrigation
Watering should be very moderate.During growth and flowering, it can be watered weekly in pots, but in the ground, it can be watered more frequently. Always wait until the substrate is completely dry before watering again. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum.
Overwatering is the biggest risk to the health of your mesem plants, so it's better to err on the side of water shortage than water abundance.
Fertilization and fertilization
- In gardens:An annual subscription is usually sufficient.
- In pots or planters: It is advisable to add a specific mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents every 15 days during the flowering season (spring-summer).
- Granulated fertilizers: They are recommended for those who cannot be responsible for frequent fertilization, as they release nutrients in a controlled manner.
Correct fertilization prolongs flowering and increases the number of flowers.
Pruning and maintenance
After flowering, it's a good idea to trim elongated stems and remove faded flowers to encourage the appearance of new blooms and maintain a compact shape. For plants used as groundcover, control their spread if you don't want them to invade other areas of the garden, as mesem can be very vigorous.
Common pests and diseases
The mesems are very hardy plants and rarely suffer from pests or serious diseases. However, some care should be taken:
- Excess irrigation: It is the main cause of problems, especially root rot and the appearance of fungi.
- Growth control: If the environment is very favorable they can become invasive, it is advisable to prune to control the size.
- Pests: Occasionally, aphids or mealybugs may appear, especially in very humid or poorly ventilated environments.
Propagation of mesem: how to reproduce them easily
- CuttingsThis is the most practical and fastest method. Simply take a piece of healthy stem (with 2 or 3 nodes), let it dry for 24-48 hours, plant it in well-drained soil, and water lightly. The best time to take cuttings is in autumn or late winter, before flowering.
- SeedsIf you want to multiply a large number of plants, you can sow seeds in seed trays in late winter. They germinate well in a warm environment with very little watering.
Both methods are simple and allow you to enjoy new plants every year, ideal for sharing or expanding your groundcovers.
Popular varieties of mesem and their differences
- Lampranthus aureus: Very common, it stands out for its bright orange flowers, although other colored varieties exist. Hardy and quick to cover the ground.
- Lampranthus spectabilis: With smaller but very numerous flowers, it usually blooms slightly earlier than other species. Widely used as both a trailing and hanging plant.
- Lampranthus zeyheri: With a low growth stalk and flowers of varied colours, perfect for rockeries and borders.
- Mesembryanthemum crystallinumKnown for the frosted appearance of its leaves, it is an extremely ornamental annual plant.
- Apthenia cordifolia: Very hardy ground cover, small flowers, and glossy foliage. Excellent for warmer climates and as an alternative in sustainable gardens.
Each variety may vary slightly in maximum height, color, or growth rate, but all are suitable for quickly covering large areas exposed to the sun.
Growing creeping plants of unmatched strength and beauty is an excellent option for those seeking colorful gardens with minimal effort and water. Their adaptability to poor soils, ease of propagation, and spectacular nature of its flowering making them a must-have for any lover of sustainable, low-maintenance gardening. With the care detailed here and choosing the right variety for your climate, you'll enjoy a vibrant, healthy garden year after year with these fascinating succulent plants.