Cuttings in cat litter

[iann]

Don't leave your mesemb cuttings in cat litter for too long. Not sure this will fit in a 2" pot!

[Chez2]

Do they have such long roots in habitat?

[el48tel]

The first question which comes to mind is, what causes the plant to set off making such long roots? Such a process is dependent on the use of phosphorus and would deplete the plant's reserves very quickly.

[iann]

Do they have such long roots in habitat?

I haven't dug any up from habitat to take a look, but quite possibly in the right substrate.

[iann]

The first question which comes to mind is, what causes the plant to set off making such long roots? Such a process is dependent on the use of phosphorus and would deplete the plant's reserves very quickly.

The roots don't grow forever, just until they are suitable for supporting the plant. Presumably, the plant felt it needed more roots in this case, akin to "water roots". The cutting was only taken a few months ago, so this isn't a slow process. I think Cheiridopsis roots are persistent, despite the highly seasonal habit above ground, but perhaps it will shed some of these roots now it is in real soil.