Arid region plants grow in the intense ultraviolet rays of the desert. Their appeal lies in their wildness and desolate atmosphere.
"In the past, it was difficult to recreate the unusual appearance of Sarcocaulon, which grows naturally in Namibia and South Africa, in Japan's environment. However, by using LEDs that are stronger than sunlight, we can now grow plants indoors that look similar to their native habitat."
So says horticulturist Shabomaniac!. He advocates the "habitat style" of growing plants from seeds in a wild-like manner to recreate the landscape of their native habitat, and has adopted LED cultivation. The shelves in his room are lined with cacti and succulents that look just like wild species. Their colors and shapes make it hard to believe they were grown from seeds.
Several LED lights and cooling fans are installed to illuminate them from directly above, and the room temperature is kept at around 20-28°C in both summer and winter. The lighting time is automatically set to between 8:30am and 8:30pm, creating an environment where half the day is night.
LED
Anacampseros quinaria ssp. alstonii
Its native habitat is Namibia in southern Africa. It was once classified as Avonia, but has recently been reclassified as Anacampseros.
This is the fourth year since it was grown from seed using LEDs. Its appearance, with dense stems and leaves resembling mown grass on top of a tuberous root, is similar to that of a wild plant.
natural light
Anacampseros quinaria ssp. alstonii
After growing it under LED light, I switched to growing it in natural light. The leaves have grown and the plant's appearance has changed dramatically! The soil is a mixture of Akadama, pumice, and pelleted soil.
"The biggest difference from conventional cultivation is irrigation. The strong light dries out the soil quickly, so we water it regularly and thoroughly, or, depending on the plant, we grow it in water up to the waist."
By frequently repeating watering and drying, plants can grow at speeds that would be impossible under natural light.
"In order to put a stop to the over-harvesting of wild plants that has accompanied the boom in plants, I hope that more people will grow plants from seeds and cultivate plants that are just as attractive as wild species. In that sense, LEDs are very powerful."
Sarcocaulon peniculinum
Sarcocaulon peniculinum
A rare species found in southern Namibia. In recent years it was classified as Monsonia, but has recently been reverted to the Sarcocaulon genus. Propagation from seedlings, which has long been considered difficult, has become possible thanks to LED high-light cultivation. It is assumed that in its native habitat the soil at the roots is always moist, and so indoors it is grown in water up to the waist.
Eliosike Esmeraldana
Eriosyce esmeraldana
This small cactus grows naturally in the Atacama Desert in Chile. When its large tuberous root dries, it shrinks, pulling the main body underground. Wild species grow close to the ground and are covered in sand. The brown part in the photo is the cactus. By planting it in a deep pot and shining strong LED light on it, we were able to recreate the scenery of its natural habitat.
Chilekodon Nortey
Tylecodon nolteei
This rare, ultra-small species grows only near Nouvelles in South Africa's Western Cape. Mature plants are 3-5cm in diameter. Its distinctive features are the leaves that sprout from irregular tubers and the fine hairs that grow on their surfaces. Under LED lighting, it grows compactly, just like in its native habitat, but under conventional cultivation, the leaves tend to become elongated.
Conophytum mauganii
Conophytum maughanii
This is a type of mesemb that grows naturally in northwestern South Africa. It is an autumn-spring growing succulent that is compatible with LEDs. It has a soft texture and is naturally green, but as the weather gets colder in autumn, it turns a fresh red. The color seems to become even more intense under the strong light of the LED. It dries out easily, so it needs more watering.
Tephrocactus alexandrii (geometricus)
Tephrocactus alexanderi 'Geometricus'
Native to Argentina. Wild plants turn reddish-purple due to intense sunlight and dryness, and the stem nodes resemble crushed balls. It was said that this appearance would be impossible to reproduce in Japan's environment, but this plant is a seedling grown using LEDs. Conversely, if it is not exposed to strong light, it will turn green like vegetables.
