Introduction
Orostachys iwarenge var. variegata 'Fuji' is a variegated cultivar of Orostachys iwarenge (Genkai Iwa or Green Phoenix). It is a medium-to-small succulent plant with white-margined, green-centered leaves.
Characteristics:
· Rosette-shaped growth habit.
· Leaves are thin, elongated, and arranged in a compact rosette.
· Covered in a light white powder.
· Leaves feature a white border and green center, appearing white-green overall.
Habitat Preferences:
· Thrives in warm, dry environments with ample sunlight.
· Highly drought-tolerant.
· Prefers loose, well-draining, and breathable soil.
· No distinct dormancy period.
· Protect from temperatures below 5°C and provide shade when above 30°C.
Growth Information
· Size: Medium to small.
· Leaf Shape: Thin and elongated.
· Growth Season: Spring and autumn.
· Appearance: Varies with season, sunlight, and temperature changes.
· Sunlight: Full sun in spring and autumn enhances coloration; can be grown outdoors when leaves are plump.
· Soil: Begin with a peat-perlite mix; switch to a soil mix with more grit as it matures.
· Temperature: Ideal range is 10–30°C.
· Propagation: Cuttings or division.
· Suitable Locations: Balconies, windowsills, terraces.
Challenges in Cultivation
Fuji is considered a difficult succulent to grow, particularly in summer, when survival rates can drop if the plant has not fully acclimated. It is recommended to plant this species between March and April or after the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Plants from the Orostachys genus die after flowering, so it is advisable to cut off the flower spike unless pollination is required. Flowering typically occurs after two years of cultivation.
Care Guidelines
Temperature
· Prefers warm conditions.
· In winter, protect from low temperatures by moving indoors to a warmer spot or covering the plant with a plastic bag for insulation.
Light
· Requires plenty of sunlight during spring and autumn.
· In summer, when the plant enters a light dormancy, provide diffused light to prevent damage from strong sunlight.
Watering
· Does not require frequent watering.
· Water only when the soil is slightly dry, ensuring thorough watering.
· In winter, when temperatures drop below 5°C, reduce watering to keep the soil slightly dry.
Fertilizing
· Likes nutrient-rich environments.
· During the growing season, apply well-rotted organic fertilizer once a month to promote vigorous growth.
· Avoid spilling fertilizer on the leaves to prevent rot.
Soil Mix
· Similar to other Crassulaceae plants:
o Mix peat and grit in a 1:1 ratio.
o Proportions are flexible and do not need precise calculation.
Watering Technique
· Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially for seedlings.
· After rooting, water by shallow immersion every 10–15 days, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
· Mature plants can also be watered by immersion.
Light Exposure
· To maintain a healthy appearance, ensure ample sunlight except during summer.
· Seedlings should not be exposed to direct summer sunlight.
Temperature Range
· Can be kept outdoors in winter above -2°C but avoid rain. Adjust care based on local conditions, as even within the same city, plants may require different care due to varying microenvironments.
Propagation
Cuttings
· Best done in spring (around February to March).
· Allow cuttings to dry and heal before planting.
· Place the base in moist soil and avoid rain exposure.
· After rooting, transition to regular care.
Division
· Suitable for spring.
· After dividing the plant, place seedlings on moist soil to encourage rooting.
· Protect from rain, water sparingly, and maintain slightly moist soil until established.
Post-Summer Care
· Place plants on north-facing windowsills during summer to avoid strong sunlight.
· In autumn, once the plants have grown, repot and move them to south-facing outdoor locations for full exposure.
Flowering and Death
· Plants in this genus die after flowering, so remove flower spikes if not needed for pollination.
By following these guidelines, Fuji can grow into a healthy and visually striking succulent.