Also known as Dunce Cap · 99 gardener saves
Orostachys: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Orostachys, the genus most gardeners know as dunce cap. We track 6 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 6 most-saved Orostachys varieties
Of 6 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedGreen Dunce Caps
Orostachys macrophylla 'Green Dunce Caps'
#2 most savedChinese Dunce Cap
Orostachys iwarenge
#3 most savedAggregated Rock Pine
Orostachys aggregata
Chinese Pincushion
Orostachys malacophylla
Furuse's Dunce Cap
Orostachys furusei
Fringed Dunce Cap
Orostachys fimbriata
How to grow Orostachys
What the Orostachys varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Orostachys year
- PropagateMay–July100% of varieties
Separate and replant offsets (chicks) anytime during growing season.
- PlantApril and May50% of varieties
Plant in very well-draining soil, like a rock garden or container.
- Check for PestsMay–August50% of varieties
Check for mealybugs or aphids, especially on new growth.
- Winter PrepOctober50% of varieties
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent winter rot. Protect from excessive moisture.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April50% of varieties
Gently remove any dead rosettes that flowered the previous year.
Do
- Water infrequently, allowing soil to dry out 🌱
- Provide full sun for healthy growth
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Water infrequently during dry periods 🌱
- Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging
Avoid
- Overwater or keep in wet soil ❌
- Place in deep shade ❌
- Neglect drainage considerations ❌
- Overwater or keep in soggy soil ❌
What goes wrong with Orostachys
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony spots on leaves | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Aphids | Distorted or yellowing leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal spots | Dark spots on leaves | Use a copper-based fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and remove affected parts |
Making more Orostachys
Division
- Carefully dig up mature plants
- Divide clumps with a sharp knife
- Replant divisions in well-draining soil
- Water lightly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil.
- Mist lightly to keep soil slightly moist.
- Keep in full sun for germination.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
Orostachys questions
How many types of Orostachys are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Orostachys varieties. The most popular — ranked by 99 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Orostachys grow in?
Across its varieties, Orostachys covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Orostachys bloom?
Most Orostachys varieties bloom in late fall, late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Orostachys should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Orostachys shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Orostachys in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
