How to grow Orostachys furusei well? A detailed guide to the latest care methods
Orostachys furusei is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family, genus Orostachys, native to Hokkaido, Japan. Its leaf shape and color are rather attractive and it has some ornamental value. Potted plants should not be placed next to computers or televisions, and it does not have an anti-radiation function. Growing it indoors will cause Orostachys furusei to become leggy, so please place it in an environment with plenty of sunlight. Now let us take a look at how to grow Orostachys furusei well!
Growth habits of Orostachys furusei
Orostachys furusei is robust, light-loving and cold-tolerant, and also tolerates moisture. It begins dormancy in summer after temperatures exceed 30 degrees. It grows rapidly in spring, summer and autumn, yet its appearance is not attractive then; it only reaches its best ornamental effect when in the dormant state. It can survive in severe cold, and as long as winter temperatures do not drop below minus 28 degrees it can overwinter safely.
Propagation methods for Orostachys furusei
Orostachys furusei is mainly propagated by cuttings. During the growing season, simply pull off the small offsets of Orostachys furusei and place them on the soil surface, and they will root quickly. Of course, the offsets should be slightly larger, as this makes success easier. Single leaves can also be propagated; after the leaves grow larger and fall onto the soil, with enough moisture they can also take root and grow into new plants.
How to grow Orostachys furusei well?
1. Soil: For Orostachys furusei, the soil generally used is peat mixed with perlite and pumice added, in a ratio of 1:1:1. To separate the plant from contact with the soil surface and to improve air permeability, clean granular river sand can be spread on top, with a river sand size of 3 to 5 mm and a sand layer thickness of about 5 mm.
2. Light: Orostachys furusei is a light-loving plant, especially during the growing period, when full-day sunlight is best. During the winter dormancy period, however, it should be shaded to prevent prematurely breaking dormancy.
3. Water: Watering Orostachys furusei is generally done by watering thoroughly only when the soil has dried out, and not watering when it is not dry. In the hot summer, generally 4 to 5 waterings per month, without watering thoroughly, to maintain normal plant growth; too much watering in summer can easily cause rot. In winter, when the temperature is below 5 degrees, watering should gradually be stopped; below 3 degrees, keep the potting soil dry, and try to keep it no lower than minus 20 degrees.
4. Pests and diseases: Orostachys furusei rarely gets sick, but attention must be paid to insects, especially root mealybugs, because it is impossible to tell from the appearance whether root mealybugs are present. Once root mealybugs are found, the infested plants should be thrown away, and the pot and soil should all be thrown away and new cuttings made, otherwise other healthy plants will be affected.