€42,40

🌱 Morphology
   Small, very slowly growing caudiciform succulent, especially prized for its swollen, underground, napiform caudex, from which numerous short, slender branches emerge. These are covered with membranous, triangular, overlapping stipules in silvery-white, which almost completely conceal the tiny leaves. The overall appearance is reminiscent of a small shrub covered in shiny paper scales. The caudex can reach approximately 2–8 cm in diameter in mature specimens, although it takes many years to develop. The branches usually measure between 2 and 3 cm in length and grow in clusters around the top of the caudex. Its main difference from the typical form is its generally larger white or very pale pink flowers, which are particularly striking in proportion to the plant.

🌍 Origin and family
Family Anacampserotaceae, order Caryophyllales, genus Avonia. The name Avonia quinaria subsp. alstonii was published by Gordon Douglas Rowley in 1994. Kew currently accepts the combination Anacampseros quinaria subsp. alstonii, while Avonia quinaria var. alstonii continues to be used in horticulture. It is native to southwestern Namibia and arid areas of Namaqualand, in South Africa. It grows in localized colonies on rocky surfaces, in crevices, and on quartz-rich soils, where the silvery scales reflect some of the sunlight.

❄️ Temperature — USDA 10a
It tolerates low temperatures only for short periods and when the growing medium is dry. It should be protected from frost, and cold conditions combined with wet roots should be avoided. Due to its slow growth and underground caudex, it is best grown in a bright, sheltered location during winter.

☀️ Lighting
Bright light–soft sun. It needs abundant light to maintain compact growth and highlight the silvery-white colour of the stipules. A DLI of 20–30 mol/m²/day is recommended, with gradual acclimatisation to direct sunlight. In very intense summer heat, the pot should be kept from overheating, and the plant should be protected during the hottest hours.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. During the active growing season, mainly in the warmer months, water moderately and allow the growing medium to dry out completely before watering again. Water should be reduced as temperatures drop, keeping the plant almost entirely dry during dormancy. The partial loss of stems does not necessarily mean the plant has died: the caudex may remain alive under the growing medium until growth resumes.

🌸 Flowering
It produces solitary, terminal flowers that are relatively large for the size of the plant and can reach approximately 3 cm in diameter. They are generally white or very pale pink, with five petals and numerous stamens. They open briefly in favourable conditions and contrast with the silvery branches. Flowering mainly occurs at the beginning of summer, although it may vary depending on growing conditions. This is one of the most distinctive features of this subspecies compared with the typical form, which has magenta or purple flowers. 

🌿 Nutrition
During the active growing season, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, with particular attention paid to the supply of bioavailable potassium and calcium. Apply with watering, following the recommended dosage and reducing or suspending fertilisation during winter dormancy.

Gourmet black 9x9 cm pot

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with a growing medium enriched with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

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