Contents
Description
Phemeranthus Aurantiacus, commonly known as Orange-Flowered Liveforever, is a beautiful succulent plant that belongs to the family Portulacaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils in arid and semi-arid regions. This plant is highly valued for its attractive orange flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are star-shaped and have five petals, each measuring about 1 inch in diameter. The leaves are fleshy, narrow, and pointed, and they grow in a rosette formation. Phemeranthus Aurantiacus is a low-growing plant that can reach a height of up to 6 inches and a spread of 12 inches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Portulacaceae |
| Genus | Phemeranthus |
| Species | Phemeranthus Aurantiacus |
Appearance
Phemeranthus Aurantiacus is a highly attractive plant that can add a splash of color to any garden or landscape. The leaves are green to gray-green in color and are fleshy, narrow, and pointed. They grow in a rosette formation and can measure up to 3 inches in length. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant and are a beautiful shade of orange. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are star-shaped, with five petals that measure about 1 inch in diameter. The plant is low-growing and can reach a height of up to 6 inches and a spread of 12 inches.
Care Guide
Phemeranthus Aurantiacus is a relatively easy plant to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on very little water. Water it sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Phemeranthus Aurantiacus does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or rocky. It can grow in poor soil but will thrive in soil that has been amended with compost.- Sunlight: Phemeranthus Aurantiacus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5a to 10b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phemeranthus Aurantiacus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and only water the plant when the soil is completely dry. Insects such as mealybugs and spider mites can also be a problem. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Phemeranthus Aurantiacus is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils in arid and semi-arid regions. It can be found in deserts, plains, and rocky slopes. This plant is highly adapted to drought conditions and can survive on very little water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Phemeranthus Aurantiacus be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a container as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has drainage holes.
Q: How often should I water Phemeranthus Aurantiacus?
A: Water this plant sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Q: Can Phemeranthus Aurantiacus tolerate cold temperatures?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5a to 10b and can tolerate cold temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C).
Q: How often should I fertilize Phemeranthus Aurantiacus?
A: You can fertilize this plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Phemeranthus Aurantiacus:- Phemeranthus calycinus- Phemeranthus parviflorus- Calandrinia ciliata- Portulaca grandiflora
References
– “Phemeranthus Aurantiacus.” Arizona State University. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetail.php?genus=Phemeranthus&species=aurantiacus- “Phemeranthus Aurantiacus.” San Marcos Growers. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2149- “Phemeranthus Aurantiacus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c655
