Rosularia is a genus of rosette-forming succulents in the family Crassulaceae. They resemble other rosette-forming succulents from the same family, such as Sempervivum and Echeveria, although they are more closely related to Sedum.
The leaves range in color from glaucous green to a lovely dusky rose. The margins may be lined with tiny hairs called cilia or a contrasting color to the rest of the leaves. The leaves will be brighter in summer, when natural light is stronger. Rosularias tend to have small rosettes and beautiful funnel- or tube-shaped flowers that grow on tall inflorescences, usually from the center of the rosettes, and range in color from white and yellow to bright pink and purple, and may be striped. The rosettes will not die after flowering. Rosularias bloom in late spring.
Like Sempervivum, Rosularias are cold-tolerant alpine succulents native to the mountains and hills of Turkey, Cyprus, North Africa, and Asia. These plants are fairly hardy but are hard to find in cultivation.
Rosularia will propagate themselves by forming offsets, also called "pups." Some species are more prolific than others. In cultivation, growers can propagate Rosularia using leaf cuttings or by separating offsets.
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun is ideal in environments that aren't too hot, but partial shade works for most species. In a tropical climate, do not place these plants in full sun, or they will scorch and die.
Temperature: Like Sempervivum, Rosularia will tolerate cold. These plants can withstand temperatures from -10°F to 0°F (-23°C to -17°C).
Water: Water potted Rosularia when the soil is moderately dry. Let the soil dry to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm) before watering, and avoid getting water on the leaves. The plants will require less water in winter, as reduced temperature and humidity will induce dormancy. If you are unsure when to water your Rosularia, watch the lowermost leaves for signs of drying out, then water them.
Soil: Rosularia can tolerate poor soil conditions so long as it is well-draining.
Fertilizer: During the growing season, feed succulents with fertilizer. Suspend feeding during the dormant winter period.
Propagation
The plants self-propagate through offshoots; given time, one plant will form a dense mat of many. However, growers more commonly use offset separation or leaf-cutting methods in cultivation. To separate an offset, remove soil from the offset's base to find the stolon (a thick root that attaches the pup to the mother plant). It is best to use an offset that has already established some roots. Cut the stolon close to the offset (to discourage the roots from growing from the stolon). Place the offset into a small pot with well-draining soil. Do not water until you see new growth.
Leaf-cutting entails cutting a young leaf from near the center of the rosette. Leave the leaf in the open air for a day to allow the wound to callous. Next, dip the leaf in a rooting hormone and place it (cut-side down) in a slightly moist succulent potting mix (even better, very lightly moist sand). Soon, a new rosette will grow from the base of the leaf. When the rosette has enough roots to repot, remove the original leaf cutting and repot the rosette.
It is best to pot at the start of the active growing season in late winter or early spring.
Pruning
No pruning is necessary except to remove any dead leaves. This helps prevent rot and bugs.
Pests and Problems
If a plant is unhealthy, first check your watering habits. The most common problem is root rot due to overwatering. If the soil is too wet, it may not dry out safely if you don't water it for a while. Replace the soil immediately, and remove any damaged roots with sharp, sterile scissors or a knife.
One of the most common houseplant pests is the mealybug, and your Rosularia may fall victim to it. However, mealybugs often attack the roots because of the tightly packed leaves. This makes them far less visible than mealybugs, which attack leaf-stem junctions. Root mealybug infestation symptoms include slowed or stopped growth (though in summer, this is normal dormancy). If this occurs without apparent cause, remove the plant from the pot and examine the roots. A white cottony substance on the roots and soil is a sure sign of mealybug infestation. Remove all soil and gently wash the roots. Remove any damaged roots with a sharp, sterile knife or scissors. Let them dry very thoroughly before replanting.
This plant is best grown outdoors, and if you live in an area where winter temperatures rarely go below -10°F (-23°C), this is the best for Rosularia. When potted, these plants are very susceptible to vine weevil. The plant is often used as a bedding or groundcover plant.
Grower's Tips
Whether grown outdoors or indoors, these plants are good to forget about. Too much attention will kill the plant. When grown outdoors in a wet environment, ensure the soil is sandy and well-draining. If you are not careful, your plant will turn into rotten mush. Mix native soil with sand, if necessary. When grown indoors, a standard commercial succulent soil mixture works well.
Source: everything2.com
Links
- Back to genus Rosularia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus