Agaves too big for you?
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
- ralphrmartin
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Agaves too big for you?
Then why not grow Orostachys - these easily grown plants make rostettes which die after flowering, with big spikes of flowers - just like Agaves - but only 10cm high. They often offset before flowering.
This one is Orostachys minima:
This one is Orostachys minima:
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
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https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
- ralphrmartin
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Re: Agaves too big for you?
And this is Orostachys boehmeri 'Keiko' in bud
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
-
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Re: Agaves too big for you?
Never heard of those Ralph!
Patrick. Small varied collection of North American, Mexican and Andean Cacti. Variegated Agaves and Echeveria. Developing a succulent garden in Portugal. Joined Somerset BCSS and forum in 2007.
- ralphrmartin
- BCSS Research Committee Chairman
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Re: Agaves too big for you?
These are in the Crassulaceae family, from Asia, somewhat related to Sempervivums.
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
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Re: Agaves too big for you?
Nice plants Ralph. I've tried to start Orthosanthus spinosus but never got the seed to germinate.
Doesn't quite match the presence of this Agave posted on another forum though! https://imgur.io/a/kkakm5J
Doesn't quite match the presence of this Agave posted on another forum though! https://imgur.io/a/kkakm5J
Ed
BCSS member 53038
BCSS member 53038
- Paul in Essex
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Re: Agaves too big for you?
Are these known as Chinese Hat? If so I have noticed alot of these appearing in garden centres near me. I must admit they do look very nice in a display.
- ralphrmartin
- BCSS Research Committee Chairman
- Posts: 6143
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
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Re: Agaves too big for you?
Yes, they do go under the name of Chinese Hat, or Chinese Dunce Cap, but Julian Shaw, a horticultural taxonomist with the RHS, told me that the correct name is Orostachys boehmeri 'Keiko'.
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
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Re: Agaves too big for you?
Yes Chinese Hat was just the common name that I remember seeing on the label. I presume that they are cold hardy? As I think they are indigenous to Japan. The larger plants that I saw in the display were nice looking with a slightly metallic colour to the leaves, and they were very reasonably priced compared with the other succulents in the alpine sections.
Re: Agaves too big for you?
At least here in Germany, the 'Chinese Hat' is a fixed part of the autumn assortments in garden centres. However, I had to learn that these plants never survive winter: Really every shoot, even the smallest one, will produce flowers, even if it is only a single one. An impressive sight, but quite annoying as they are labelled 'perennials' (what of course is correct for the original species). Can't tell if this the result of selecting a special clone, hormone treatment or whatever else. So, it's more like a bouquet of flowers than a plant you want to cultivate in your garden. As said, this is my experience in Germany, maybe it's different with you.
To end with a positive note, I add pics of a few more species of this genus:
Orostachys malacophylla ssp. iwarenge - or is it Orostachys boehmeri, too? Orostachys malacophylla ssp. aggregata Orostachys chanetii Orostachys erubescens All these species, unlike O. spinosus or O. minima, are +/- invisible during winter as they spend the resting period as tiny leaf buds, which are also encased in dry leaves. Regards
Wolfgang
To end with a positive note, I add pics of a few more species of this genus:
Orostachys malacophylla ssp. iwarenge - or is it Orostachys boehmeri, too? Orostachys malacophylla ssp. aggregata Orostachys chanetii Orostachys erubescens All these species, unlike O. spinosus or O. minima, are +/- invisible during winter as they spend the resting period as tiny leaf buds, which are also encased in dry leaves. Regards
Wolfgang