Orostachys boehmeri - Chinese Dunce Cap

Orostachys boehmeri – Chinese Dunce Cap is a small rosette-forming succulent that produces numerous offsets on slender spreading stolons. The compact rosettes are typically grey-green to blue-green and gradually form spreading colonies as new plants develop around the parent.

Reverted from our variegated form

The plants offered here are non-variegated reversions that have developed from our Variegated Chinese Dunce Cap stock. Occasionally, offsets produced by the variegated plants revert completely to green and continue growing without the cream or yellow variegation of the parent plant. We separate and grow these reverted plants as the regular green form.

Although they originate from our variegated stock, these plants should be regarded as non-variegated Orostachys boehmeri. Their green to blue-grey foliage allows the natural form and spreading growth habit of the species to be seen particularly clearly.

Rosettes carried on spreading stolons

Orostachys boehmeri produces small, flattened rosettes of fleshy leaves. During active growth, numerous slender stolons extend outwards from established plants, with a new rosette developing at the end of each one. These offsets can gradually root where they contact suitable growing medium, allowing a single plant to develop into a spreading colony.

This growth habit works particularly well in pots, bowls and hanging containers, where the stolons and young rosettes can extend beyond the edge of the container.

Flowers and the Orostachys life cycle

Mature rosettes can eventually produce an upright flowering spike carrying numerous small pale flowers. As with other Orostachys, an individual rosette is monocarpic and dies after flowering. By this stage, however, established plants will generally have produced offsets around the flowering rosette, allowing the colony to continue growing.

From Orostachys iwarenge var. boehmeri to Orostachys boehmeri

This plant has long been grown and sold under the name Orostachys iwarenge var. boehmeri, and that former name is still widely encountered in succulent cultivation. It is now botanically accepted as the separate species Orostachys boehmeri.

Orostachys boehmeri is native to Japan and the Russian Far East, where it occurs naturally in rocky habitats. Despite the familiar horticultural common name “Chinese Dunce Cap”, China is not considered part of the accepted native range of the species.

Growing Orostachys boehmeri

Grow in a free-draining succulent mix in a bright position with good airflow. Plants can tolerate good light but appreciate some protection from intense Australian summer afternoon sun, particularly when grown in containers.

Water thoroughly during active growth when required, allowing the growing medium to dry appropriately between waterings. Reduce watering during periods of reduced growth and avoid prolonged waterlogging. The numerous offsets can be separated once sufficiently developed and established individually if additional plants are required.

Orostachys boehmeri – Chinese Dunce Cap plants for sale shown in 70mm pots. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.