Sceletium tortuosum KANNA (plant)

Kanna is a small creeping succulent plant measuring 20 to 30 cm in length, native to Africa.
It is a slow-growing perennial that belongs to the Aizoaceae family.

Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and oblong in shape. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems, and their color varies from light green to dark green. The leaves have a waxy texture and smooth edges.

The flowers of Sceletium tortuosum are discreet and usually appear at the tips of the stems. They are small and white or pale yellow, with tube-shaped petals that bloom into a star shape. Flowering takes place during the summer months.

Kanna seeds from Sceletium tortuosum are tiny; they are very easy to sow on a fine substrate without burying them, under a warm greenhouse.

- Uses:

This succulent is easy to grow as an ornamental plant. It can be paired with small cacti such as the Sea Urchin cactus or the Sacred cactus.

The roots and leaves of Kanna were used as a shamanic plant by the Hottentots of South Africa, who utilized it for its nootropic and sedative properties, similar to Delosperma bosseranum.
Do not consume for psychoactive or medicinal effects; cultivate solely for the preservation of the botanical species.

- Cultivation and Planting:

• Plant the Kanna in a one-liter pot with a substrate composed of sand and potting soil rich in organic matter.
• Water gently at the base of the plant.
• Place the pot in a very bright location.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Sceletium tortuosum requires a very mineral substrate that is also rich in organic matter. A mixture of 70% sand and 30% fine potting soil is perfectly suitable. Remember to drain the bottom of the pot with clay pebbles.

- Watering and Humidity:

Creeping Kanna requires little watering. In the height of summer, water it every three days. In winter, once a week will be more than enough. Never allow water to stagnate in the saucers, as the risk of root rot is frequent for this type of plant.

- Light / Exposure:

Kanna requires a lot of bright light; you must find it a sunny spot. A south-facing exposure is ideal in winter, while in summer, a slightly shaded exposure is preferred for faster development. Regarding artificial lighting for indoor cultivation, neon lights or MH (Metal Halide) lamps are preferred.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

This small ethnobotanical plant grows very well when the temperature varies between 22 and 45°C. Due to its low hardiness, it can tolerate winter temperatures of 5°C in a very dry environment. It is frost-sensitive and must be brought indoors during the winter period.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

There are two effective ways to reproduce Kanna: either by sowing its seeds or by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in a humid, confined environment.