Greenovia Dodrentalis 'Aurea'

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' is tolerant of drought and infrequent waterings. During the active growing season (spring and summer), it is recommended to water once every week or two. Water thoroughly enough to saturate the soil but quick enough to avoid overly wet conditions. When the weather is cooler in the winter, water roughly once every three weeks. Note that a good indicator of watering your plant too much is when yellowish leaves start to appear. When watering, it is important to ensure all excess water can drain away quickly.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' prefers bright but indirect lighting. Avoid direct sunlight as it can easily scald the leaves. For best growth, offer filtered natural light whenever possible. Or, if using artificial lighting, use full-spectrum lighting such as LED or fluorescent bulbs. It is recommended to provide 12-16 hours of light per day.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' prefers temperatures between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit (13-23 degrees Celsius). During colder winter temperatures, avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Regular misting in the air can help with providing humidity for the plant and preventing it from getting too cold.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' does best in moderate to high humidity levels. It is a succulent, so it can tolerate dryer air up to 50%, but prefers humidity around 50-70%. Increase humidity levels around the plant with pebble trays and gentle misting. It should not be exposed to overly wet conditions.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' prefers a well draining potting mix specifically formulated for succulents. The best potting mix for this plant is one that contains a mixture of equal parts organic matter (ideally in the form of coco coir) and inorganic matter (such as pumice or gravel). Additionally, adding 1-2 tablespoons of slow-release fertilizer or compost to the potting mix can help provide the plant with additional nutrients.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' does not require frequent fertilization. During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilizing with a succulent fertilizer can give the plant an extra nutrient boost. A fertilizer with higher phosphorus levels, such as a 5-10-5 blend, is highly recommended for this plant. Always water the soil before fertilizing and never over-fertilize as this can cause leaf burn or root burn.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' is prone to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Mealybugs are tiny white bugs with a waxy coating that are found clustered around the stem and underneath the leaves. Spider mites appear as tiny black dots and can often be seen crawling around on the leaves of the plant. Scale appear as brown or grayish bumps on the leaves. To get rid of these pests, washing the plant leaves gently with soapy water and rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton swabs on the affected area can help. If the infestation is more severe, chemical treatments are available from gardening stores. Additionally, introducing predators like ladybugs or praying mantises can help reduce pest population.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' only needs to be repotted every 2-3 years or until the roots start to become pot-bound. When repotting, use a fast draining potting mix specifically geared towards succulents. Additionally, selecting a pot with good drainage holes can help with drainage and help avoid waterlogged soil. Repotting can be done in either spring or early summer.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' can be lightly pruned if needed. If the plant becomes excessively large, it can be trimmed back as needed. When pruning, always use clean and sharp shears or scissors. Remove only the affected areas and leave healthy parts of the plant if possible. It is not uncommon for these plants to become leggy over time due to inadequate lighting, in this case evenly trimming back the entire plant can help with better light distribution and promote new growth.

Mulching is not necessary for Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea', but may be slightly beneficial in keeping soil temperatures more consistent and keeping weeds away from the roots. Any organic mulch such as dried leaf litter or wood chips can be used. It is important to keep mulch away from the base of the plant to avoid smothering or fungal diseases.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate by stem cuttings, take a healthy stem cutting 4-6 inches in length. Use sharp scissors to cut away the lower leaves and create a diagonal cut. Place the stem cuttings in potting soil and ensure the soil is kept consistently moist. To propagate by leaf cuttings, take a healthy leaf and carefully snap it off from the base of the plant. Place the lower half of the leaf (with the stem attached) into the soil and wait for new roots to form.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' is a heavy and leafy succulent. If the plant starts to droop from its own weight, it may require additional support such as a thin stake for stability. It is essential to drive the stake firmly into the soil and not let it slip away.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' prefers a cool and dry winter rest period. During this rest period, make sure to reduce the waterings and avoid over-misting. The plant will start to produce new leaves when the temperatures start to become warmer in spring.

Greenovia dodrentalis 'Aurea' is not considered to be toxic to cats, dogs, or other pets.