Plants for sale are not necessarily in flower. Flower photos are shown as examples only.
Origin and Natural Habitat
Sinningia leucotricha naturally occurs on cliffs in the State of Paraná, Brazil.
The plants for sale were seed grown at Living Desert Plants.
Plant Characteristics
Sinningia leucotricha, or the Brazilian Edelweiss, is an intriguing caudiciform plant with a tuberous stem. It is deciduous, and grows a stem tipped with highly attractive silver-white, ‘hairy’ leaves. The iconic hair is actually trichomes that protect the plant from the harsh Brazilian sun, and helps the plant retain moisture in its leaves. It produces salmon-orange flowers in spring and summer. The older the plant becomes, the more stems it is able to produce.
It is sometimes called Rechsteineria leucotricha.
Care Guide
Light
Sinningia leucotricha prefers a lightly shaded location in the greenhouse. Avoid keeping this species in direct sun. If kept outside, 60% shade cloth is preferred.
Soil
Sinningia as a genus requires well-draining soil mixture, with both organic and inorganic gritty components. A medium with a combination of akadama and pumice as well as coco peat and bark is preferred.
Water
In cultivation, Sinningia leucotricha can be watered well during the warmer months. However, it is important to stop watering it completely during winter when it is dormant.
Pot size
Sinningia leucotricha can form tubers of 30cm+ wide when mature, so the pot must be able to accommodate this. A 10cm pot will be sufficient initially, but as the plant grows older, it should be planted in a pot that is 10cm wider than its tuber and root system to accommodate new growth. The root systems are extensive, so use deep pots.
Temperature
Sinningia leucotricha’s ideal temperature ranges between 25 – 35°C. It can tolerate 5 – 45°C. Its tuber is semi-tolerant to frost, but only if it is deeply buried. The leaves extremely sensitive to frost. It should not be exposed to below freezing temperatures for extended periods.
Humidity
Sinningia leucotricha prefers plenty of humidity, but make sure that your growing space still has decent airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing season
Sinningia leucotricha grows from early spring to the end of summer (mid-September to end-February in South Africa).
Propagation
Sinningia leucotricha can only be propagated through seed germination.
Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in early spring. Plant the seeds in a coco peat mix in an airtight container. Do not cover the seeds as they require light to germinate. Once most of the seeds have germinated, usually after 2 weeks, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently water the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out.
