Scientific Name
Orostachys japonica (Maxim.) A. Berger
Common Name(s)
Rock Pine
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon japonica, Sedum erubescens var. japonicum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Umbilicinae
Genus: Orostachys
Etymology
The specific epithet "japonica" (pronounced "juh-PON-ih-kuh") means "of or relating to Japan" and refers to the primary origin of this species.
Origin
Orostachys japonica is native to Japan but is also found in Korea, China, and Russia. It mainly grows on rocks in low mountains and along streams.
Description
Orostachys japonica is a succulent plant that forms dense rosettes of grey-green to whitish-green leaves that are often reddish in winter. The monocarpic rosettes can reach a diameter of 0.4 inches (2 cm) in winter and up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in summer. The leaves are narrowly spatulate with an apical spine, measuring up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide.
The small, white flowers appear on a stalk that grows from the center of the rosettes in late summer and fall. The flower stalk can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 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 genus 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 plants grow actively in spring and summer. They require some bright light and do not tolerate high humidity well.
Orostachys self-propagates through offshoots at a given time. Thus, 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 its roots. 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.
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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