Scientific Name
Orostachys furusei Ohwi
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Umbilicinae
Genus: Orostachys
Description
Orostachys furusei is a succulent plant that forms small rosettes of thick, fleshy, grey to brownish leaves. The rosettes can reach about 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter and slowly form a beautiful mat.
In the fall, the plant produces towers of yellow flowers. The mature rosettes die after flowering but are quickly replaced by offsetting ones. Most resources suggest Orostachys furusei is a synonym of Orostachys boehmeri.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 4a to 8b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
As with most similar genera of the Crassulaceae family, this plant can survive in fairly poor soil so long as it is well-draining. This genera is very cold-hardy and can survive temperatures to -30 °F (-34 °C). Allow soil to dry to the touch between waterings and avoid getting water on the rosettes. Orostachys actively grow in spring and summer. It requires some bright light and does not tolerate high humidity well.
Orostachys self-propagates through offshoots; at a given time, one plant will form a dense mat of many. Propagation is primarily through offset separation.
To separate an offset, remove soil from its base to find the stolon (the thick root that attaches the pup to the mother plant). It is best to use an offset that has already established some roots of its own. Cut the stolon close to the pup (to discourage roots growing from the stolon). Place the offset into a small pot with well-draining, sandy soil. Do not water until new growth is noted.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Orostachys.
Origin
Orostachys furusei is native to Japan.
Links
- Back to genus Orostachys
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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