Six on Saturday: Succulents in Flower – December

My six for this Saturday will focus on succulents in flower this week. I have several more in bud but not in time to share on this post. Maybe they will hang on until January.

1. Cotyledon orbiculata Pig’s ears or Elk’s horn

This is one of the few succulents I have planted directly in the ground. The downside with this plant is scale insects love it.

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https://www.thegardener.co.za/cotyledon-orbiculata-2/

2. Schlumbergera or Christmas cactus

I think most people have these as houseplants. I grow mine on the winterledge outside where they receive morning sun. This is their first winter so it will be interesting to see if they survive. Winter temperatures have been known to drop as low as 2C but hopefully the sheltered position will give them added protection.

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3. Adenium Z (Desert Rose)

The Adenium Z, which I purchased at the Mediterranean Garden Fair in October,  is the latest addition to my succulent collection. As you can see, it still has the glossy dark green leaves that only garden centres seem to be able to maintain.

It is an unusual succulent in that it is deciduous.

https://plantcaretoday.com/desert-rose-plant-care.html

4. Kalanchoe Marmorata

I was originally attracted to Kalanchoe Marmorata due to its unusual leaves and it was one of the first succulents I bought. I never realised it flowered until now. This plant actually needs to be relocated as it is growing in the shade on the terrace.

https://worldofsucculents.com/kalanchoe-marmorata-penwiper-plant/

5. Crassula Capitella ‘Campfire’ (Campfire Crassula)

I bought this succulent from a little garden centre in Monchique way before I had any real interest in collecting different types. I have since taken cuttings from the original plant and leaf colour seems to depend on soil, sunlight and water. While this one is orange (lack of water) I have other plants which are rose pink and green. It is the most amazing plant and a worthwhile addition to any collection.

 

These are cuttings from the same plant growing in partial shade.

https://kumbulanursery.co.za/plants/crassula-capitella-campfire

6. Delosperma Cooperi (Ice Plant)

I love this succulent. It is easy to grow, take cuttings and gives winter colour.

This is the plant I asked the garden centre for the pink variety and was sold white. White does not quite give the same colourful glow in winter.

https://worldofsucculents.com/grow-care-purple-ice-plant-delosperma-cooperi/

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That’s my Six for this week. Anyone else cacti or succulents?

Are you interested in gardening? Why not check out other gardening bloggers for their six on Saturday.

https://thepropagatorblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/15/six-on-saturday-15-12-2018/

Read other six on Saturday gardeners here