Identification Help: Another mystery plant to ID

delyn101 · #1 March 1st, 2005, 05:29 PM

I had a houseplant a few years ago that brought me unexpected pleasure. At first I thought it was a wandering jew, but I've since looked at pictures of wandering jews and discovered that my plant was not one. It had small green succulent type leaves, (less than half the size of wandering jews). After I had had it a while imagine my amazement to discover that it also had small magenta flowers. These small flowers had many long thin petals, and the thing that intrigued me the most was that during the day they were in full bloom, but at night they closed back up again. I had to move from Denver, CO and so gave the plant away, thinking I would get another when I got to where I was going. Unfortunately I haven't seen one since. Does anyone know what this plant is called or where I might get one.

After searching the internet I believe I have ID the plant I was looking for. Here are some pictures of Aptenia cordifolia AKA Baby Sun Rose. Thanks anyway.

**Ron B** · #2 March 2nd, 2005, 01:56 PM

It's a mesemb (ice plant, Hottentot fig etc). Don't know which one, there are many.

hippobroma · #3 March 2nd, 2005, 03:42 PM

Family Aizoaceae (Ficoidaceae) includes genus Mesembryanthemum. Yes, it's a Baby Sun Rose. You can propogate it if you're lucky by breaking bits off, letting them dry out a bit, and sticking them in some suitable soil. The bigger ones, like the Hottentot fig, have much larger leaves. Here in U.K. they (Hottentot figs) usually grow by the sea, but the Baby Sun Roses are tender and need to be kept indoor over winter.

delyn101 · #4 March 7th, 2005, 02:13 PM

Thanks for the vote that my id was correct. It always helps to verify your findings.

**Chuck White** · #5 June 26th, 2006, 06:05 PM

delyn101 - The sun rose in the photo makes a great ground cover. A cutting poked in the ground here in West Central Florida will take off and multiply like crazy. They grow well in alkaline as well as acid soil. Pretty, aren't they?

delyn101 · #6 June 29th, 2006, 02:53 PM

Thanks for the info Chuck. I'm assuming this is a succlent, right? Like a cactus they should grow well in desert like conditions?

**Chuck White** · #7 June 29th, 2006, 06:59 PM

delyn101: Pretty much. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant. Same plant but a different color is also available. It has bright yellow flowers. Might make a nice contrast, if you can find it. - - Chuck

delyn101 · #8 July 3rd, 2006, 10:28 AM

Thanks again for the info Chuck. Will try to cultivate new clippings and transplant outdoors. Yellow sounds nice, but I prefer the hot pink. Just beautiful.