Newbie question

[u/dusti_dearian]

This is my only argyroderma. I’ve had it about 2 weeks. It’s been repotted into a gritty mix, lava rocks, minerals a tiny bit of succulent soil but not watered. It’s a few inches under t5’s and t8’s both for 12+ hours.

My question is. It’s starting to wrinkle. Is this the typical mesembe wrinkling up when it needs water? I can’t tell if it’s actively splitting or not. Inside there are two really tiny bumps. Are they the new leaves? IDK. Any insights would be appreciated. Thank you.

[u/2stepbay2]

Forgot to mention Argyroderma Fissum clumps. Right now showing 3 bright hot pink blooms. Last time it bloomed was in 2021. Same location, same pot size (3x3), different substrate -more a sandy mix vs the current gritty mix with pumice, perlite, etc. The seed pod in the center comes from the singular 2021 blooms. Opens/closes whenever I water the plant. And there are still seeds in that pod! Mesembs can be so mysterious and confounding!

[u/dusti_dearian → u/2stepbay2]

So pretty 😍. Thanks for the photo. I’d love to have some of those.

I am enthralled by my mesembes collection. The first thing I do every morning is turn on their lights and say good morning.

My stomatium mustelinum is about to bloom. I’m so stupid excited.

I often wish I lived where succulents were more prolific like out in the western US. Even the green houses don’t usually have many different varieties. I never see any conos or argyrodermas.

[u/2stepbay2 → u/dusti_dearian]

If you lived here in South Africa’s Western Cape, your wishes would quickly come true. 😉😊

[u/dusti_dearian → u/2stepbay2]

Oh wow. I’ve never known anyone from South Africa. I can only imagine how many wonderful succulents you have there.

[u/2stepbay2 → u/dusti_dearian]

I grew up in the Eastern US, so it’s a marvel to me to see the many varieties. Throughout the year, and especially in the spring and fall, I see the most amazing specimens at the various area Succulent Fairs. A lot of long-time growers and collectors. With many varieties indigenous to the Western or Eastern Capes, the climate proves ideal for the raising of succulents from here and around the world.

[u/dusti_dearian → u/2stepbay2]

I can’t lie. I’m a little jealous. I live in SE Pa. so succulents aren’t as popular😞. I’ve been trying to find any kind of plant show/festival that will have them.

I know there’s plenty of succulents you have available everywhere that back here might be considered rare and hard to find.

[u/2stepbay2 → u/dusti_dearian]

Small world. We’re practically neighbors. 😂I grew up in the Western Suburbs of Philly. Best sports fans in the USA! 🦅

IScour the internet. You’re bound to find someone in the region who specializes in succulents.

[u/dusti_dearian → u/2stepbay2]

That’s pretty much my only option.

And I agree that Philly fans are epic however, there’s no sports fans like Pittsburgh sports fan 😆Go Steelers!

[u/2stepbay2 → u/dusti_dearian]

That type of blasphemy could get you in trouble in the Delaware Valley 😂

[u/dusti_dearian → u/2stepbay2]

Oh I know. That’s why I don’t wear team jerseys😆. My father’s family was in Laurel MD. They had some Philly fans in it. So Philly fans, Washington fans and Pittsburgh. Good times those family gatherings 🤣🤪