Sunrise Succulent Info
Anacampseros telephiastrum ‘Variegata’ succulents, more commonly called sunrise succulents, are small plants native to South Africa that grow in a dense mat of rosettes. They can grow to a height of 6 inches (15 cm.) tall, though they usually tip over before reaching their full height and grow in a more horizontal, sweeping pattern. This creates an attractive spread of individual structures that is as wide as it is tall. The plants are very slow to grow, however, so this effect can take a long time. They are known for the color of their leaves,a burgundy to light rose that creeps into bright green, usually on the newest growth. On their undersides, the leaves are bright pink. In the summer, they produce small, bright pink flowers.
How to Grow a Sunrise Plant
Despite being native to Africa, sunrise succulents are not very tolerant of direct sunlight or intense heat. They perform best in bright, indirect sunlight with temperate conditions and lots of air flow. They are hardy down to USDA zone 10a, and in colder zones should be grown in containers and brought indoors during the cold months. The roots are very prone to rot and, as such, the plants should be watered sparingly and grown in extremely well-draining soil. During the dormant winter months, they should be watered even less, only when the soil is bone dry. Apart from rotting issues, Anacampseros succulents are basically problem free and rarely suffer from pests or diseases. They are tough, drought tolerant, easily adaptable to container life, and absolutely beautiful.
