Cheiridopsis purpurea is a fascinating succulent plant that is endemic to the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape of South Africa. It is a clump-forming succulent that produces triangular leaves in pairs, which are blue-green in color and have transparent dots. The plant produces solitary and striking magenta-pink flowers that are up to 40 mm across, which open around midday and close at sunset. The flowers have broad petals that do not fully unfold, but rather hide the stamens and feathery stigmas. The capsules of Cheiridopsis purpurea have awn-like points at the tips of expanding keels.
This plant is listed as Rare due to its small restricted area and habitat specialist nature. Cheiridopsis purpurea grows in the crevices of quartzitic bands in sandstone in Succulent Karoo vegetation. It is pollinated by insects, and the woody capsules are hygrochastic, opening when wet, and the tiny seeds are splashed out of the capsule by heavy raindrops.
In terms of cultivation, Cheiridopsis purpurea needs a sandy, well-drained soil that is rich in minerals. They respond well to regular water in autumn to winter, but rather than withholding water during summer when they normally go dormant in their natural environment, we have found that when growing them in pots they respond much better with regular watering throughout summer as well. As they naturally grow in a mineral rich environment, depending on what potting mix you are using or if you have them planted in the ground you may need to liquid feed them with a mineral rich plant food to keep them looking healthy and vibrant.
Cheiridopsis purpurea can easily be grown from seeds. The seeds should be sown in the autumn months and placed in warm water for 24 hours to improve the chances of germination. Sow the seeds in a sandy medium and cover with a thin layer of fine sand about 1 mm thick. Keep it damp, using a fine spray, until the seeds start to germinate in about seven to fourteen days. Once the seedlings start growing, slowly reduce the amount of water.
In conclusion, Cheiridopsis purpurea is a unique and captivating plant that will add interest and beauty to any succulent collection. Its triangular leaves, magenta-pink flowers, and awn-tipped capsules make it a standout plant.
Cheiridopsis purpurea plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions. Plants may or may not have flowers or buds depending on season.
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Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
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