How to care for and grow your Sand Rose Succulent
The Anacampseros rufescens is also commonly known as Sand Rose or the Sunrise Succulent. It is part of the Anacampseros L. genus, along with other small perennial succulent plants, and it’s the largest of these species. The Sand Rose is a low and slow-growing dwarf succulent. It grows in clusters and spreads out as it continues to grow by producing offsets.
Anacampseros rufescens is a perennial plant. This succulent can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall. It has lanceolate leaves arranged like the petals of a rose (hence the name).
One of the most beautiful things about the Sand Rose is the color of its leaves. Depending on how long the plant receives sunlight, its color may vary from green to dark red or purple to brown. The Anacampseros rufescens produces single flowers with five petals and grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) tall. They typically bloom in spring or summer, and their color is usually white, pink, or purple.
Anacampseros Rufescens is native to the Cape Province of South Africa. Their natural habitat also includes the regions like Namibia, Botswana, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. The Sand Rose prospers in soft and well-drained soil. It does well in sunny outdoor environments and is not a fan of the cold. It can also grow in shadier areas but does better in the sun. This succulent doesn’t need much water (much like any succulent) and survives well in areas that get little to no rainfall. The name Anacampseros dates back to ancient times and is a combination between the Greek anakampto (to recover) and eros (love). Anacampseros are therefore believed to be herbs with the capacity to restore love if touched.
Origin
1 It can also grow in shadier areas but does better in the sun. This succulent doesn’t need much water (like any succulent) and survives well in regions with little to no rainfall. The word ‘Anacampseros’ dates back to ancient times and combines the Greek anakampto (to recover) and eros (love). They, therefore, believed Anacampseros plants to be herbs with the capacity to restore love if touched.
Anacampseros Rufescens Growing and Care Tips
1. Cold hardiness
The Anacampseros rufescens succulent is not very tolerant of cold temperatures. It grows and thrives in well-lit, sunny environments and prefers partial sun. Mild to above-average temperatures are the Sand Rose’s favorite. It can live outdoors all year long if you plant it in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 (minimum 40°F or 10°C).
As for freezing temperatures, the Anacampseros rufescens can tolerate them for very brief periods. However, if it has to withstand cold temperatures, it will survive, provided that periods of sunlight will soon follow. The lowest temperatures the Sand Rose can take are around 20° F (-6 or -7°C).
If you live in a climate with cold winters, you can leave your Anacampseros rufescens outside until the winter and then protect it from the cold by moving it indoors. Another option is to create a mini-greenhouse for it outdoors or wrap it up in cloths or blankets.
2. Watering Requirement
The Anacampseros rufescens is an adaptable plant and ideal for those who forget to water their plants regularly. As any succulent, it will need moderate watering, and you will need to make sure you don’t overwater it. Over-watering it will lead to rot.
Your watering schedule for the Sand Rose will depend on where you live and the weather temperature. If you live in a dry climate, you can water your Anacampseros rufescens once every ten days during the summer. However, refrain from watering it at mid-day and do it in the evenings.
When temperatures start to drop or have a more humid climate, you can water it every 14 days. However, in winter, you should only water the Sand Rose if needed once every 2 to 3 weeks should be enough.
Check the leaves if you are unsure if your plants need watering. If they are hard, the plant is fine. You can also check the soil to see if it has dried up. If less than an inch at the top feels dry, you don’t need to water it just yet. If your Anacampseros rufescens lives indoors, it will require even less water, especially if it’s not sitting in direct sun.
The biggest issue with Anacampseros rufescens is over-watering. Often, the plant will rot when it has too much water. That’s why it’s advisable to check the soil and leaves, and it’s better to under-water your plant rather than risk losing it to rot.
3. Soil
The soil you choose for your Anacampseros rufescens needs to be easy to drain and sandy. Remember that the natural habitat is in regions of Southern Africa. However, it is adapted to desert areas and does well in dry soils.
A good mixture you can try is the cactus potting mix. Add in some perlite or sandy soil for added drainage, and the plant should do just fine. The Anacampseros rufescens can grow both indoors and out, provided that the soil it grows in is well-drained and gets plenty of sunshine. They can survive outside in the winter and all year round if the climate you live in is warm enough. As a general rule, avoid planting them in wet soils or over-watering them.
4. Lighting
Lighting conditions will depend on whether your Anacampseros rufescens lives indoors or outdoors. Typically, the Sand Rose prefers sunny or light-shaded environments. While it can survive in full sun, it’s best to place it somewhere with the partial sun instead, as this would help avoid potential sunburns or sun damage.
The more sun it gets, the more colorful your plant’s leaves will be. If you plant your Anacampseros rufescens outside, choose an area where it can get plenty of light but not be fully exposed to the sun’s heat. It is essential for young plants that are more sensitive. Please don’t plant it in complete shade. You will tell if your plant needs more sun if its leaves turn dark green. That will be your cue to move it somewhere where it receives more sunlight.
If your Anacampseros rufescens lives indoors, place it somewhere where sunlight can reach it for the better portion of the day (ideally, around 5 hours). Try a windowsill that faces east or south. You can try several spots in the house and move the plant around. The color of the leaves will tell you where it feels the happiest—the more colorful the leaves, the more comfortable the plant.
Another sign of a happy plant is the shape of the leaves. If they are well-rounded, the Sand Rose is getting enough sun. If they are elongated and stretch, they are struggling to find more light. For really dark indoor spaces, using a plant grow light can be a good solution.
When moving your plant from an indoor environment to an outdoor setting, do things gradually. Too much direct sunlight too suddenly can lead to sun damage or losing your plant.
5. Propagation
The Anacampseros Rufescens can be propagated from offsets or from leaves.
From Offsets
Propagating from offsets is easy since the Sand Rose grows in clusters. Therefore, you will often find offsets (baby plants) spreading out from the original plant.
You will need to identify an offset of average size and remove it with some roots. Please don’t go for a very tiny plant as it will have fewer chances of making it on its own.
If you get more of the root out, it will be easier for the plant to grow in its new environment. You can even try taking the entire plant out of the pot or ground to get a better look at the roots and separate them.
If the baby plant doesn’t have any roots, it will probably grow some, but it may not be successful. Pop the baby plant out of the ground and remove it from the mother plant when you are ready. You can use a pair of scissors or a knife to do this. After separating the roots, pull the two plants apart.
Next, allow the offset to dry for about a day away from direct sunlight and ensure that you seal any cuts. Once it’s dry, you can plant it on its own. Use well-drained soil for this operation and make sure it’s packed tightly around the baby Sand Rose.
You will not need to water it in the first few days. Alternatively, you can spray the plant with a spray bottle if you feel the soil is getting too dry. Once you finish this process, after about 7-10 days, return to your regular watering schedule.
Remember to keep the baby plant away from direct sunlight to avoid sun damage.
From Leaves
Propagating Anacampseros rufescens from leaves is a little more complicated. To do this, pull one of the plant’s leaves out by twisting it off the mother plant. You should be able to rotate the entire leaf, base included. You have the best chances of propagating if you choose a giant leaf. To add to your chances of success, use some rooting hormone. Dip the cut ends of the leaf in it and then leave it to dry for about a day. Again, it will need to stay out of direct sunlight.
Take your well-drained soil and pot and either stick the leaf in the ground or lay it flat. It will take about three weeks to see the results of your propagation experiment. So, you will need to be patient.
Repotting
Repot your Anacampseros rufescens once a year. As it continues to grow, it will need more space. When repotting, make sure you do not damage the roots and choose well-drained soil. As I mentioned, your best bet is a cactus potting mix combined with perlite or sandy soil.
The pot you choose should be deep enough to allow proper draining and have a hole at the bottom for the same reason. Succulents do not need added fertilizer when repotted. As long as the soil is well-drained, the plant will thrive.
Pruning and Maintenance
The Anacampseros rufescens is easy to maintain. The only three conditions it needs to thrive are good and well-drained soil, sunlight, and enough water. Remember, enough water may mean little to no water. Therefore, avoid over-watering at all costs. It does well in indoor and outdoor environments, provided one meets the conditions above.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Much like all succulents, you won’t have to worry about pest damage and disease with the Anacampseros rufescens. The highest risk for the Sand Rose is over-watering or too little sunlight. Over-watering can lead to rotting and attract pests, while too little sunlight will keep your plant from growing.
Another issue to avoid is too much direct sunlight that can lead to sunburn and sun damage. In the worst cases, this can also lead to rot. Check your Anacampseros rufescens regularly to stay on top of any issues and prevent severe damage.
Best Uses
The Sand Rose is a beautiful succulent. It’s a significant addition to any outdoor garden or indoor plant collection, and it will be with you for a very long time if you follow its easy-care tips.
It is an adaptable decorative plant that grows in containers or greenhouses and outdoor raised beds and rock gardens. Its eye-catching shape and colorful leaves look fantastic on windowsills or in a park, paired with other succulents and cacti.
