How to grow Fenestraria aurantiaca well? A full breakdown of the latest care tips
Fenestraria aurantiaca, scientific name Orange-yellow Club-leaved Flower, is a succulent of the genus Fenestraria in the family Aizoaceae, native to South Africa and Namibia, and can now be cultivated in many parts of the world, very easy to cluster, multiplies very quickly, and has an unusual plant shape and beautiful flowers, making it an excellent indoor small potted plant with extremely high ornamental value. Now let us take a look at how to grow Fenestraria aurantiaca well!
Growth habits of Fenestraria aurantiaca
The Fenestraria aurantiaca plant is very fleshy, densely clustered, with a cluster diameter of 10 cm, and very fine roots. The fleshy leaves are club-shaped and grow almost vertically, but in insufficient light they lie horizontally and are arranged loosely. The leaves are pale green, slightly red at the base, and the leaf tips have transparent “windows”. It likes plenty of sunlight and tolerates drought. During the growing season it can be watered appropriately; in summer watering should be restrained; in winter, if 10°C or above cannot be maintained, watering should also be stopped, and the planting pot should be small.
Propagation methods of Fenestraria aurantiaca
1. Sowing: sow in spring from April to May. Because the seeds are tiny, indoor pot sowing is generally used. After sowing, there is no need to cover with soil, otherwise they will not germinate. When the potting soil is dry, water by the soaking method, and never water directly, so as not to wash away the seeds. The sowing temperature is 15-25°C, and they germinate about half a month after sowing. After the seedlings emerge, let the young plants gradually receive light. The seedlings are only the size of soybean seeds and grow slowly, so management must be careful. Generally, after they emerge, water once every 3-5 days. Seedlings grown from seed need 2-3 years to flower.
2. Division: In spring each year, Fenestraria aurantiaca grows new fleshy leaves from the gap in the middle, splitting the old leaves apart, and the old leaves then shrivel and die. The new leaves grow quickly, and by summer they shrivel and split open again, and 2-3 small new plants grow from the gap; simply divide and plant the young plants.
Cultivation methods of Fenestraria aurantiaca
1. Light: Fenestraria aurantiaca likes light, but it cannot be placed in the sun for long periods. Autumn-winter-spring is the growing season; place Fenestraria aurantiaca on an indoor balcony facing south, ensuring 3-4 hours of light each day, and ensure sufficient scattered light the rest of the time. This can prevent the leaves from being scorched, while also keeping the leaves of Fenestraria aurantiaca compact, fresh and appealing.
2. Watering: Beginners who are not yet clear about watering methods can use the soaking method, supplying water from the bottom of the pot with the water level no higher than 2/3 of the flower pot, for about 15 seconds. But do not use the soaking method too often; once a month is enough. There are also requirements for watering time: when the leaf surface wilts and wrinkled skin appears, water promptly, and after 6 hours the leaves will gradually recover. Record the time when the leaves become wrinkled, and next time water slightly earlier to avoid this phenomenon.
3. Fertilizing: Fertilizing should be done together with watering, dissolving granular fertilizer in water, or mixing in liquid fertilizer, and watering directly. Note to apply thin fertilizer frequently, and do not apply a large amount of fertilizer all at once. Fertilize 5-6 times a year, and the specific timing can depend on the plant's growth.
Daily care of Fenestraria aurantiaca
1. In summer, do not water from above. During continuous muggy heat, try to use the soaking method. A ceramic pot can be soaked through, but for pots with poor air permeability it is best to soak only halfway; avoid spraying water on the plant unless necessary.
2. Do not let Fenestraria aurantiaca get rained on. If muggy heat or the early stage of heavy rain occurs, because the air humidity is very high, it is best not to give water.
3. Five hours of sun exposure per day is enough. Do not avoid sunlight; in fact, it is even hotter in a greenhouse. If it does not get sunlight, first the color will not look good, and second the plant will not be strong. Air, sunlight, and water are the three essential elements for plant growth.
4. In winter in the north, if there is heating at home, it can be watered in due course.
5. When wrinkles appear on the leaves, water after another 2-3 days. The place where the plant is usually placed is best mainly ventilated.