Burying mesembs deeper

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Conophytum
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:20 pm
Location: Newport Beach, CA (Zone 10b)

Burying mesembs deeper

Post by Conophytum »

I've come to realize that mesembs in the wild are buried way deeper than the ones in cultivation.

I'm not sure if burying mesembs deeper is good for the mesemb.

So can anyone tell me if burying your mesembs deeper is a good thing?
mesembs are cool
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One Windowsill
Posts: 544
Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:27 pm
Location: Manchester

Re: Burying mesembs deeper

Post by One Windowsill »

How bright is the sunshine in your area? Compared, say, to Namibia? How dry is the air, generally?

In the wild, many cacti and other desert succulents grow in the shade of other plants because the light is so intense. Others are half-buried.

Also, you might want to see your plant.
Conophytum
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:20 pm
Location: Newport Beach, CA (Zone 10b)

Re: Burying mesembs deeper

Post by Conophytum »

I live in Southern California. The climate here is kinda like South Africa. The humidity is usually 60 because I live near the ocean. Is it a good idea to burry it based on my location?
mesembs are cool
esp_imaging
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Re: Burying mesembs deeper

Post by esp_imaging »

General opinion is to not bury mesembs deeply in cultivation.
You often hear about their "contractile roots" and suchlike, supposedly giving them ability to bury themselves deeper if needed. I've no idea how true this is.
I'd leave them exposed - if the ones you have are happy growing exposed, there is no need to change.
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