Meatball Plant Siomai
Meatball Plant Siomai Plant Attributes
Chinese Name: SiomaiAlias: N/ALatin Name: conophytum angelicaeFamily and Genus: Aizoaceae, Conophytum GenusOrigin and Distribution: South AfricaMeatball Plant Siomai Introduction
The siomai plant has square-shaped leaf tips with wrinkled window surfaces, resembling siomai, which is the origin of its Chinese name. The plant tends to grow in clusters. Each year, it sheds 2-3 heads, but if the plant grows into a large cluster, the number of shed heads in the following year will decrease to 1, at which point the plant can be divided. Separating the small clusters will help revitalize their nutrients, and the heads will gradually normalize, with flowers blooming in purple-red. It cross-pollinates, blooms at night, and generally opens in the evening. The plant goes dormant in summer and grows in other seasons. The flowering period is in autumn. The shedding period is similar to that of stone flowers, but it is longer, requiring more sun exposure and less water during this time. By the end of April to May, the shedding is usually complete. If watered during this period, the shedding can extend into the summer. The siomai plant's shedding involves the outer old skin gradually drying out and providing nutrients to the new plant. When the old skin is as thin as a wing, the shedding is considered successful.
During the whole summer, it is shaded, placed in a bright, well-ventilated area with scattered light. Only a small amount of water is given during this time, as too much can cause rot. In autumn, when temperatures drop, watering can be resumed, gradually increasing. By autumn, they will bloom beautiful flowers. The plant does not need additional water if it is plump. Avoid low temperatures that could cause frostbite; under dry soil conditions, -3 degrees Celsius is not a problem. There is a significant difference between the north and south, so enthusiasts should cultivate based on their own environment. Propagation can be done through seeding or dividing heads. The meatball plant looks more beautiful when grown in clusters.
Meatball Plant Siomai Image Appreciation
1. Siomai Image One
2. Siomai Image Two
3. Siomai Image Three
4. Siomai Image Four