Orostachys

Rarest of the Rare Hardy Succulent Plants

Some species have two types of leaves forming a taller outer ring on each rosette, encircling a short spiraled center. In other types, they resemble an odd looking Sempervivum.

They are also similar to Sempervivum and Jovibarba in that they are monocarpic; they will form an interesting cone shaped flower stalk which explains the common name of 'dunces cap' after which the main rosette will die, hopefully leaving behind a ring of smaller 'chicks' to take its place.

One species, Orostachys spinosa originating in Siberia and Mongolia, is reported to be the most cold tolerant of all plants that have Crassulacean Acid Metabolism systems. They can survive down to -40 degrees Celsius, and can even photosynthesize under snow cover.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to find one of these gems for your garden, here are a few tips on successfully growing these rare hardy succulents;

• They require very good drainage at all times, and prefer to be dry during winter.

• Avoid getting water on the foliage to prevent rotting.

• They will perform best in bright sun.

• They apparently prefer very shallow soil as well, which works to my advantage when planting in odd and unusual containers for succulents.

Some new species of Orostachys are coming soon - available in 2012:

Orostachys minuta - a bright green version of Orostachys spinosa, but much smaller. The biggest rosette in this picture is only about 2.5cm across (the size of a quarter).

I'm also hoping to get some seed of Orostachys thyrsiflora - the most evil looking of the Orostachys tribe, with long and pointed outer leaves, guarding the inner center, with its spikey foliage.

As I find out more about these weird looking and challenging plants, the more I am fascinated by them. I'm looking forward to some success with growing them in my xeric gardens.

See this page for more fascinating information about Orostachys pollination.

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Rosularia

Rare Hardy Succulents