The Mount Everest Succulent (Orostachys iwarenge ‘Mount Everest’) is a distinctive and popular plant. Its unique appearance and straightforward care make it an attractive choice for many garden settings, offering captivating visual interest.
What is a Mount Everest Succulent
The Mount Everest Succulent is also known as Chinese Dunce Cap, a name derived from the tall, conical bloom stalks that emerge in fall. It forms attractive ground cover with cone-shaped rosettes of fleshy, lavender-grey leaves. These rosettes can reach 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and spread by short stolons, forming clumps up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) high and 18 inches (45 cm) wide.
In late summer to early fall, rosettes produce towers up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, densely packed with tiny, yellow to creamy-white flowers. Each flowering rosette is monocarpic, dying after blooming, but the plant continuously produces numerous offsets. This “hens and chicks” growth habit ensures its ongoing presence and forms dense mats of low-growing foliage. Despite its common name, this succulent originates from Japan, Mongolia, and Northern China.
Caring for Your Mount Everest Succulent
Light
The Mount Everest Succulent thrives in bright light conditions. Outdoors, it prefers full sun to partial shade; indoors, a bright, sunny room is ideal. While it tolerates some shade, insufficient light can lead to etiolation, causing the plant to become lanky and leggy. Morning or late afternoon sun is particularly advantageous, as it offers bright light without the intensity of harsh midday exposure. Consistent bright light encourages compact growth and helps maintain the plant’s characteristic rosette shape.
Water
Like most succulents, the Mount Everest Succulent is drought-tolerant and stores water in its leaves. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. This prevents root rot, a common issue in overly moist conditions.
During its active growing season in spring and summer, the plant requires consistent watering. Reduce frequency significantly in winter when it enters dormancy. Protecting the plant from excessive winter moisture is important for its survival.
Soil
The Mount Everest Succulent requires well-draining soil. A gritty, rocky, or sandy mix is highly suitable, mimicking its natural mountainous habitat. Incorporating at least 50% mineral grit, such as perlite, coarse sand, or pumice, greatly improves drainage.
For container planting, use a succulent or cactus mix formulated for excellent drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape freely.
Temperature and Humidity
The Mount Everest Succulent is cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) in some varieties, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4a to 8b or 5-10. It tolerates frost by becoming dormant in colder months and re-sprouting in spring. Optimal growing temperatures range from 50-86°F (10-30°C).
While it tolerates average home humidity, it does not thrive in high humidity levels.
Fertilizer
The Mount Everest Succulent does not require heavy fertilization. If desired, apply a weak solution of balanced fertilizer once a month during the summer growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
For established plants, a feeding in early spring and again halfway through the growing season is generally sufficient. Avoid fertilizer late in the growing season, as it can stimulate new growth vulnerable to early frosts.
Propagating Mount Everest Succulent
Propagating the Mount Everest Succulent is straightforward, primarily through its natural production of offsets, also known as “pups” or “chicks.” These smaller rosettes emerge from the base of the main plant on short stolons.
To propagate, carefully separate an offset from the mother plant, ensuring it has developed some roots. Place the separated offset into a small pot filled with well-draining, sandy soil. Avoid watering immediately after planting, waiting until new growth is observed to prevent rot. Propagation can be done throughout spring and summer, as the offsets root quickly.
Common Problems and Solutions
Common problems for the Mount Everest Succulent include root rot and etiolation. Root rot typically occurs due to overwatering; ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and follow the “soak and dry” watering method. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant, trim any rotted roots, and replant in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Etiolation, characterized by stretched, leggy growth, arises from insufficient light. To correct this, move the plant to a location with brighter, more direct sunlight. While stretched growth will not revert, new growth should be compact and healthy.
Aphids can also be a pest concern. Manage them by wiping with a cotton ball soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol or by spraying with a natural pesticide like neem oil.
Is Mount Everest Succulent Toxic
The Mount Everest Succulent (Orostachys iwarenge) is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. This makes it a safe choice for households with children or animals, as accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause serious harm.