Scientific name: Orostachys iwarenge
Common name: Dunce Cap
The small lavender plant has cones. It is monocarpic, but produces offsets on long stems that shoot out from the main rosette, making propagation easy. It will grow back in the spring when it is grown outside, even though it will be dead in the winter.
Quick Look at Orostachys iwarenge
- Full sun
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 8″ (20 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 3″ (7.6 cm) wide - Zone 6a (Minimum -10° F | -23.3° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by offsets and seeds
- Generally non-toxic
- Actively grows in Spring and Fall
General Care for Orostachys iwarenge “Dunce Cap”
The Dunce Cap adds excellent ground cover to the gardens. Its offsets trail down if grown in container gardens. “Dunce Cap” grows in mats, but as it matures, it becomes a full cone shape.
Watering
Orostachys iwarenge “Dunce Cap” has typical watering needs. The “soak and dry” method will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It doesn’t do very well in high humidity.
Where to Plant
If you live in a zone that gets colder than -10 F (-23.3 C), it’s best to plant this plant in a container that can be brought indoors and placed under a grow light.
There is an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day.
How to Propagate Orostachys iwarenge “Dunce Cap”
Dunce Cap is a prolific propagator. It can be easily grown from seeds or offsets.
Offsets
There will be small plantlets on long, thin stems. Remove the offsets with a sterile knife or scissors. Allow the offsets to dry for a couple of days before laying on the soil.
Seeds
The small yellow flowers will be produced after several years of growing. After flowering, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil. If you live in an area above 9a, you can grow seeds outdoors. If you live in a cooler area, you can sow indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.
