Furry Anacampseros
anacampseros arachnoides
Also known as: ["Anacampseros tomentosus","Anacampseros arachnoidea"]
Overview
A small, succulent plant with fuzzy, silvery-green leaves and rosette growth habit, native to South Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Anacampserotaceae |
| Genus: | Anacampseros |
| Botanical Name: | Anacampseros arachnoides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with excellent drainage, or sheltered outdoor spot with protection from intense afternoon sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice for improved aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in spring; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed, but generally keep pruning light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in east-facing windows for ideal light; move outdoors gradually in spring/summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light with some direct morning sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 10–14 days, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; adjust frequency with seasons.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use gritty amendments for drainage; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–80°F (15–27°C); prefers cooler temperatures in winter (50–60°F/10–15°C) to induce dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain cooler temps in winter for dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings; stem cuttings are more reliable for this species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in dry medium.
- Water lightly after a week.
- Gradually increase watering.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F/21–27°C), humid (50–60%), bright indirect light with some air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio); can also use pure perlite or sand for initial rooting.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 1–3 months; fully established in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterilized knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use warm, humid conditions for rooting; avoid overwatering new cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems to encourage branching; remove any dead or damaged leaves/stems; pinch tips for bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or leggy growth, and encourage bushier growth; best done in spring before active growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, sterilizing solution (optional).
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in spring; remove dead/damaged parts; shape as desired; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; gently remove plant; inspect roots; prune if needed; repot carefully; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow evaporation; ensure excess water drains away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during spring and fall, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to match dormancy; increase slightly in summer but avoid waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to commercial potting mix; ensure soil is loose and airy to prevent compaction.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or root rot in cold, damp conditions; bud drop or leaf drop in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot if soil remains wet; may enter dormancy below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; protect from frost; reduce watering in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, dehydration, and wilting; may cease growth if temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with pebble trays; water early morning or late evening; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize spring/summer only; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer (half strength) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAnacampseros arachnoides is not known to be toxic to cats. It poses no significant risk if ingested in small amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicAnacampseros arachnoides is not known to be toxic to dogs. It poses no significant risk if ingested in small amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicAnacampseros arachnoides is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Anacampseros arachnoides?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during winter.
Q: Does this plant need full sun?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Q: Can I propagate this plant?
A: Yes, it can be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings, or by division of offsets.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Anacampserotaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright, indirect light with so |
| Water: | every 10–14 days, allowing s |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
