Anacampseros rufescens - Sand Rose

Sand Rose (Anacampseros rufescens) (Sweet): Spiraling rosettes of pointed leaves that are olive green on one side and wine red on the other. In the wild, it grows in small, rocky crevices in the shrublands of South Africa, eventually forming mats. The plants stay small in a pot but can send up a short bloom stalk, each with a single, large, bright pink flower. The wide, flattened flowers open each afternoon and close by nightfall.

The fine, white filaments that can grow from its center help it survive droughts by trapping water vapor from the air. Anacampseros tend to like a bit more water than most succulents, but you will know when they are thirsty because their leaves wrinkle slightly.

Soft succulents will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need ample sunlight, good drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again.