Scientific Name
Dorstenia barnimiana Schweinf.
Synonym(s)
Dorstenia barnimiana var. barnimiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Moraceae
Tribe: Dorstenieae
Genus: Dorstenia
Origin
Dorstenia barnimiana is native to East Africa.
Description
Dorstenia barnimiana is a stemless or nearly stemless monoecious plant with a slightly depressed or subglobose caudex reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The leaves are more or less succulent, orbicular, cordate at the base or palmate, and can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 4.4 inches (11 cm) wide.
The green and brown flowers can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in width. They appear on stalks that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Dorstenias are warm-loving plants that need a bit more water than regular succulents. They need a well-drained potting mix, and their water needs vary depending on the season. Water regularly to abundant from spring to fall. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering, but ensure they never dry out completely. These plants tend to go at least partially dormant during the winter months. During this period, water very little. Giving plants a warm, sunny position can result in beautiful, compact growing plants. Plants should be fertilized occasionally during their growing period with a high potash and phosphorus fertilizer.
Spring weather, with a high temperature swing between the day and night hours and frequent rains, can favor the development of fungus diseases, which should be treated preemptively with a systemic fungicide.
Dorstenias are generally propagated by seed. Many species are self-fertile. Their seeds are expelled explosively from the mature seed heads and are liable to populate pots several feet away. They can also be propagated by cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Dorstenia.
Links
- Back to genus Dorstenia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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