Crystal Mesembriantemum

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Crystal mesembryanthemum (lat. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) - one of the most common representatives of the genus Mesembriantemum of the Aizov family. The species is also known as crystal and ice grass. It is a succulent. In natural conditions, it grows in the Mediterranean countries, as well as in the Azores and Canary Islands. Typical habitats are sandy and rocky beaches, brackish swamps. Previously, the species was used for food and to obtain a special grade of soda, now it is cultivated only as an ornamental crop. And it should be noted that she copes with this task very well.

Characteristics of culture

Crystal mesembriantemum is represented by annual or biennial plants, not exceeding 10-12 cm in height. They are characterized by creeping, recumbent stems, which in the process of growth reach a length of 50-60 cm. pink flowers with a diameter of 1-1, 3 cm. By the way, the foliage of the crystal mesembryanthemum is pale green, fleshy, wide, ovoid or spatulate, opposite from below, alternately from above. The edges of the foliage are most often wavy, the average length of the leaves is 16 cm.

Features of cultivation

Crystal mesembriantemum belongs to the category of whimsical cultures. He is very fond of the sun and warmth, therefore, it is necessary to plant a crop in well-lit areas, closed from the influence of cold northern winds and a large amount of precipitation. Soils, in turn, must be loose, light, and must be drained. When preparing a flower garden, you can add well-washed coarse sand to the soil. You should not try to grow crystal mesembriantemum in areas with saline, heavy clay and damp soils.

The species in question is grown in seedlings. Sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in boxes or separate containers filled with a mixture made up of garden soil, peat and sand, taken in a ratio of 1: 2: 2. The optimum sowing time is early April. Previously, sowing crystal mesembriantemum is not worth it, since young plants need a lot of sun for successful growth. If the sowing was carried out before April, you need to install equipment for additional lighting in the evening hours.

The seeds are lightly pressed into the soil mixture, but not sprinkled on top. Afterwards, abundant watering is carried out from a spray bottle. Seed boxes are covered with glass or foil. They are regularly removed for ventilation and watering. With a favorable climate and quality care, friendly shoots appear on the 21st day. Single shoots appear after a couple of weeks. It should be noted that seedlings are very sensitive to waterlogging, if partly with watering, young plants may be damaged by root rot.

The planting of the crystal mesembryanthemum in open ground is carried out not earlier than the third decade of May, when warm and stable weather sets in outside the window and the threat of night frosts disappears. The soil on the site is prepared in advance. Before planting, shallow holes are prepared, where the seedlings are placed, sprinkled, tamped, watered. It is optimal to keep the distance between plants 15-20 cm. Mulching is not forbidden, mulch will help protect plants from weeds and prevent rapid evaporation of moisture.

Culture care

As already mentioned, crystal mesembriantemum does not like an excess of moisture, so they must be watered with caution. Watering is carried out after the soil is completely dry. If rains are expected for several days, it is very important to protect the plants from an excess of moisture with a film cover, otherwise they can get sick and die. It is also very important to take care of feeding. Complex mineral fertilizers in liquid form are applied every three weeks. If the soil is poor, then every two weeks. The crystal mesembriantemum does not need pruning, it will independently and beautifully turn into a green carpet.