One almost needs a magnifier to see the tiny, complex blooms of this Orostachys succulent.
The name ‘Chinese Dunce Cap” comes from the stage when the flower stalk first appears in September.
This tiny plant likes a sunny, protected spot with excellent drainage.
I have some in a trough at almost eyelevel so it can be admired up-close.
FLOW in FALL
My tiny Chinese Dunce Cap / Orostachys boehmeri repels the raindrops.
The waters’ cohesion to itself is stronger than any adhesion to this succulent’s surface.
That is why the drops are perfectly round. They are repelled by the waxy cuticle of the plant.
This is called beading. Its waxy surface keeps water in as well as out.
I love seeing all the tiny orbs caught by the leaves.
Water working miracles.
Go H20!
FLOW
I must admit I would never have noticed these tiny blooms if it weren’t for the bees. Bees are busily visiting the last bloomers now before the cold sets in. They kept zooming past me as I worked to put plants into the ground before the first freeze.
All bees lead to this Chinese Dunce Cap, Orostachys Iwarenge. I usually watch as the caps arise and then ignore the plants afterward. Good thing the bees did not ignore these tiny, late flowers. I would have missed them in my haste to winterize my other green babies.
I need to use my jeweler’s loop to see the structure of the flowers.
There seems to be a white blooming and a pink blooming form nestled here in the rock wall.
This is the best spot for them; dry, warm and sunny.
I have been watching the busy bees buzz the last blooms all afternoon.
I am glad to supply their last snacks before frost.
FLOWER
This tiny plant is a trickster. It looks like silver little rosettes from spring to fall.
Eventually it elongates into cones that are tall and will have tiny flowers on them in October.
There are several forms of Orostachys/ Chinese Dunce Cap. This one is O. boehmeri.
It likes full sun and dry conditions.
Flow nearing Fall
I have had this lovely plant for years.
It decided to bloom this spring.
I was delighted to see these sunny yellow flowers appear.
The yellow blooms and pink fruit are bonuses.
I bought it for its lovely green segments.
Hooray Rhipsalis!
These tiny plants transform themselves every fall.
They change from little rosettes to tall towers.
Most plants just throw up a stalk of flowers,
but this little succulent turns into a mama stalk.
I watched a bumble bee climb the flower towers over and over yesterday.
I do not know its name. I just call it “Ghost Rose.”
I hope a reader can help me identify this “All-In Mama.”
FLOWER
I found a group of tiny mushrooms in a pot of Haworthia.
Succulents like it dry and mushrooms like it wet.
But these two seem perfectly happy in the same pot.
I guess we must grow where we are planted.
Flow
I am fascinated by unusual plants.
Sometimes I buy them because I have doubts that they are real…
like Sea Monkeys.
Well here is one that has proved itself to be real.
This Life Saver plant has finally made a bloom.
For two years it has done nothing but sling little pieces of itself out of the pot like a self-purging cloner.
Finally it has a bloom.
The bloom looks just like the pictures.
Yes.  It does look like there is a life saver candy in the middle.
Huernia zebrina, I believe!
FLOWER
floweralley 