Caralluma acutangola SEEDS

Description

• Appearance: Caralluma acutangula has a striking appearance with fleshy, green to somewhat purple stems. The stems are angular, usually with four sides, and can grow up to about 30 cm in height. The plant's surface may be smooth or slightly rough with small, rudimentary leaves that are often so reduced they appear as mere scales.
• Flowers: The flowers of Caralluma acutangula are star-shaped, with a fascinating array of colors ranging from yellow to red and sometimes with a dark, almost black center. They typically bloom in clusters from the stem tips. The flowers emit a strong odor, which is not always pleasant to humans but is effective in attracting pollinators like flies.
• Fruit and Seeds: After flowering, the plant produces small, horn-shaped fruits that contain seeds. The seeds are small and can be used for propagation.

Cultivation from Seeds

Growing Caralluma acutangula from seeds can be a rewarding experience for a succulent enthusiast. Here’s how to do it:

1. Seed Selection: Obtain seeds from a reputable supplier to ensure they are viable.
2. Sowing Time: The best time to sow the seeds is in spring or early summer when temperatures are warm.
3. Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. You can make your own mix by combining standard potting soil with sand and perlite in equal parts.
4. Sowing Process: Scatter the seeds lightly on the surface of the soil. Do not bury them deep as they need light to germinate. You can gently press them into the soil to ensure contact but cover them only with a very thin layer of soil or sand if at all.
5. Moisture: Keep the soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. A spray bottle can be used to mist the soil without disturbing the seeds.
6. Germination: Place the pot in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight. Seeds should start germinating within a few weeks to a month.
7. Care After Germination: Once seedlings appear, reduce watering to allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Ensure they receive plenty of indirect light.
8. Transplanting: When seedlings are big enough to handle (usually after a few months), they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots.

Additional Tips

• Watering: Caralluma acutangula is drought-tolerant; water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Light: This succulent prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the stems, whereas too little light can cause etiolation (stretching).
• Feeding: During the growing season, you can feed the plant with a diluted, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Cultivating Caralluma acutangula from seeds may take patience, but observing the growth of this unique succulent from seed to mature plant is a rewarding process. Its distinctive appearance and the simplicity of its care make it a fascinating addition to any succulent collection or garden.