Scientific Name:

Dorstenia hildebrandtii

Common name:

Family:

Moraceae

Sub-Family:

No items found.

Tribe:

Dorstenieae

Genus:

Dorstenia

Origin:

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Burundi, Rwanda, Mozambique

Hardiness Zone:

13b

10b

ABout the PLant

Dorstenia hildebrandtii is a unique and beautiful succulent native to the tropical regions of East Africa. It has an interesting, almost alien-like appearance, with a thick, woody stem and fleshy leaves that form a rosette shape. The leaves are typically greenish-gray in color and have a waxy texture. This succulent can reach up to 2 feet tall and wide when mature, making it ideal for container gardening or as an accent plant in rock gardens. Its flowers are small and yellowish-green in color, appearing from late spring through summer. When it comes to care requirements, Dorstenia hildebrandtii is fairly easy to maintain. It prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Water regularly during the growing season (spring through fall) but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During the winter months, reduce watering significantly or stop altogether until spring arrives again. The history of this succulent is somewhat mysterious; however, it is believed that it was first discovered by German botanist Hermann Hildebrandt in 1878 while he was exploring East Africa. Since then, Dorstenia hildebrandtii has become increasingly popular among gardeners due to its unique look and low maintenance needs.

The Dorstenia hildebrandtii succulent does best in bright indirect light. It should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn. Instead, it should be kept in a location with medium light, such as near a window that receives some sun during the day but is shaded from direct rays. Low light conditions are also acceptable for this plant, but it will grow more slowly and may not flower if it is too dark.

Dorstenia hildebrandtii succulents prefer a well-draining soil with a neutral pH. They need plenty of air pockets in the soil to help them breathe, so a sandy or gritty mix is ideal. A combination of equal parts potting soil and perlite or pumice works well for these plants. Make sure to water them regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

The Dorstenia hildebrandtii succulent is a low-maintenance plant that requires infrequent watering. During the summer months, water it every two to three weeks and reduce watering to once a month during the winter. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Too much water can cause root rot, so make sure not to overwater!

The ideal humidity conditions for the Dorstenia hildebrandtii succulent are relatively low. It prefers a relative humidity of around 40-50%, which is lower than most other succulents. However, it can tolerate higher levels if needed. To maintain these conditions, misting or placing the plant in a tray filled with pebbles and water is recommended.