Chinese Dunce Cap

Chinese Dunce Cap Care

Orostachys iwarenge

What is the plant

It becomes nearly impossible to recommend a hardy and easy plant to take care of without mentioning succulents. While very similar and still quite hardy, this succulent has some distinct properties that set it aside from many of its cousins.

Chinese Dunce Cap (Orostachys Iwarenge) is a species of succulent native to Northern China, Mongolia, and Japan. This plant gets its name from its small, slightly lavender rosettas resembling the shape of a cone. It is sometimes referred to as the “Pulp Plant.”

To identify our green friend, look for its rosettas that can reach a height of up to 6” (15cm) and have white and yellow flowers. Many of these plants grow between 1 and 2 inches tall and serve as excellent ground coverage, often filling in cracks, and do best outdoors.

You can find the popular succulent in cold and mountainous regions. This natural habitat gives this plant resistance to occasional cold spells and freezes. Everything above the soil will die, then sprout again when the temperature becomes more suitable.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

5 - 10

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The Pulp Plant does well with low water and high drainage. It is recommended to only water soil when completely dry.
Pruning
Due to the rapid growth of rosettas, pruning is not necessary. However, remove the flowering bud early before bloom to avoid the death of existing rosettas.
Fertilizer
A low-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer is recommended in the spring or summer.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
This plant does well outdoors in a well-lit but shaded area out of direct sunlight.
Soil
Any succulent soil will suffice. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent the rotting of roots. Choosing sandy, more gritty soil is preferred to encourage good drainage.
Propagation
This hardy succulent will propagate naturally rather quickly. To reproduce, you can remove one of the larger offsets and replant.

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Temperature
The Chinese Dunce Cap can handle the occasional drop in temperature down to 14℉(-10℃). It does not do well in high temperatures, and will growth will slow at around 90℉(32℃).
Container
The Chinese Dunce Cap will thrive in a pot measuring around 5”(13cm) in diameter.
Fun fact
The rosettas of the Chinese Dunce Plant can only flower once in their lifespan before they die. Death can be avoided but removing the budding flower before it blooms.