Origin and Habitat: Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa

• Orthopterum waltoniae L. Bolus

Description: Orthopterum waltoniaeSN|25087]]SN|25087]] is a short-stemmed perenniaal succulent plant forming low clumps by branching. It looks like short, fat Ice Plant but doesn't spread by running roots. Looks also like a Faucaria without teeth. It is sometime grown under the name Faucaria ryneveldiaeSN|16593]]SN|16593]].
Stem: Short with 6-8 leaves per branch.
Root: Taproot.
Leaves:, Linear-lanceolate, thick, fleshy, opposite, almost erect, somewhat unequal, smooth, toothless and sculpted curved.
Flowers: The flowers are yellow and are not raised above the foliage.
Blooming season: Winter-flowering.
Fruit: Capsule with straight, erect, feathery wings on the cell lid.
Note: The genus Orthopterum is similar in some respect to Faucaria, but differs by the possession of widely opening fruits closing completely again when drying. The two genera grow together but seem not to mingle genetically, and their behaviors are quite distinct. Orthopterums are far thirstier than faucarias.

Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Heidrun E. K. Hartmann “Aizoaceae F – Z” Springer, 2002
2) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass - Casuarinaceae to Aristolochiaceae” Cambridge University Press, 11/ago/2011
3) Hermann Jacobsen, Vera Higgins “Succulent Plants: Description, Cultivation and Uses of Succulent Plants, Other Than Cacti” Williams and Norgate, Limited, 1935
4) Jacobsen. “Handbook of succulent plants” 1328 (1960)
5) H. Herre “The genera of the Mesembryanthemaceae” Tafelberg-Uitgewers Beperk, 1971
6) L.Bolus "Orthopterum waltoniae" in: S. African Gard. 17: 281. 1927

Cultivation and Propagation: Orthopterum waltoniaeSN|25087]]SN|25087]] is has no clear dormancy and is most active from early spring, but in favourable growing conditions it keeps going over the winter too and doesn't need particular care. Orthopterum waltoniaeSN|25087]]SN|25087]] seems to prefer a fairly dry rest in winter but grows whenever watered. It is the good choice for anyone wanting to start growing succulents. In very dry warm regions these succulents make very impressive out door ground covers.
Growing rate: It is vigorous and quick-growing, speedily forming lateral shoots and low mats.
Soil: Requires good drainage as it it is prone to root rot. It can grows outdoor in sunny, dry, rock crevices (protection against winter wet is required) It can also be cultivated in alpine house, in poor, drained soil.
Fertilization: Feed it once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus succulents (poor in nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. It thrives in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases.
Watering: They are not at all delicate and can take some water year-round. Water minimally in winter, only when the plant starts shrivelling, water more abundantly when they are growing in the spring and summer, but let the soil dry between soaking. An occasional summer soaking is wise. If grown in a container, bottom watering by immersing the container is recommended. It must have very dry atmosphere.
Light: It needs a bright sunny or light shade exposure in winter, but keep cool and partially shaded in summer.
Hardiness: It prefer a very bright situation and require a minimum temperature 5°C, but can be cool to cold and dry in the dead of winter 16-25 C. The earlier in the year they are planted, the better the chances for winter survival. True with many of the Mesembryanthemaceae.
Uses: It is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small. It look fine in a cold greenhouse and frame or outdoor in a rockery.
Pests & diseases: Orthopterum waltoniaeSN|25087]]SN|25087]] may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for:
- Red spiders: Red spiders may be effectively rubbed up by misting the vulnerable plants every day
- Mealy bugs: Mealy bugs occasionally develop aerial into the new leaves and flowers with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are invisible except by their effects.
- Sciara Flies: Sciara flies are one of the major problems for seedlings. It is a good practice to mulch your seedlings with a layer of grit, which will strongly discourage the flies.
- Scales, thrips and aphids: This insect are rarely a problem.
- Rot: Rot it is only a minor problem with mesembs if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won't help all that much.
Propagation: It is very quick and easy to start from seed or cuttings. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days at 21°C in spring. To make a cutting twist off a branch with at least a part of roots and permit it to dry out a couple of days, lay it on the soil and insert the stem end partially into the soil. Try to keep the cutting somewhat upright so that the roots are able to grow downward.