Dorstenia: An Unusual Tropical Plant for Specialty Gardens
If you’re looking for something truly unique in your plant collection, dorstenia might just catch your eye. This quirky tropical plant brings an exotic flair to gardens and indoor spaces, though it’s definitely not your typical garden center find. Let’s dive into what makes this unusual plant special and whether it deserves a spot in your growing space.
What Exactly is Dorstenia?
Dorstenia is a perennial forb that belongs to the fig family, though you’d never guess it from looking at it. Unlike typical flowering plants, dorstenia produces fascinating disc-shaped structures called hypanthodia that contain tiny flowers. These unique flower heads look almost alien and make the plant a real conversation starter.
As a forb, dorstenia lacks significant woody tissue and stays relatively small and herbaceous. Many gardeners describe it as having a succulent-like appearance, even though it’s not technically a succulent.
Where Does Dorstenia Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. While dorstenia is native to Puerto Rico, it’s considered non-native to the continental United States. You’ll find it growing in Florida, where it has established itself and reproduces without human intervention.
Should You Grow Dorstenia?
The decision to grow dorstenia really depends on what you’re looking for in your garden. Here are some things to consider:
The Appeal of Dorstenia
- Unique, conversation-starting appearance with unusual disc-shaped flower structures
- Relatively low-maintenance once established
- Interesting addition to succulent or tropical plant collections
- Works well as an indoor houseplant in colder climates
- Compact size makes it suitable for small spaces and containers
Things to Keep in Mind
- Not native to most of the United States, so it won’t support local ecosystems
- Limited wildlife and pollinator benefits
- Requires specific growing conditions that may be challenging in some climates
- Can be difficult to find at typical nurseries
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to give dorstenia a try, here’s what it needs to thrive:
Climate Requirements: Dorstenia is only hardy in USDA zones 9-11, making it suitable for year-round outdoor growing in southern Florida, southern Texas, southern California, and Hawaii. In cooler areas, treat it as a houseplant or bring containers indoors during winter.
Light and Location: This plant prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light will cause weak, leggy growth.
Soil and Drainage: Excellent drainage is absolutely critical. Use a well-draining potting mix similar to what you’d use for cacti and succulents. In garden beds, amend heavy clay soils with sand, perlite, or gravel.
Watering: Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter. Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill a dorstenia.
Temperature: Keep temperatures above 50°F (10°C). These plants are frost-sensitive and will suffer damage or die if exposed to freezing temperatures.
Best Garden Settings for Dorstenia
Dorstenia works best in:
- Rock gardens with excellent drainage
- Specialty succulent and tropical plant collections
- Container gardens that can be moved indoors
- Indoor plant collections near bright windows
- Greenhouse environments
Consider Native Alternatives
While dorstenia can be an interesting addition to specialty gardens, consider exploring native alternatives that provide similar unique aesthetics while supporting local wildlife:
- Native sedums and stonecrops for succulent-like appearance
- Regional native wildflowers with unusual flower forms
- Local native plants with interesting foliage textures
The Bottom Line
Dorstenia is definitely a plant for the adventurous gardener who appreciates unusual specimens. While it won’t contribute to local ecosystem support like native plants do, it can be a fascinating addition to specialty collections when grown responsibly. Just make sure you can provide the warm, well-draining conditions it needs to thrive, and don’t expect it to attract local butterflies and birds like native plants would.
If you’re drawn to unique plant forms and enjoy the challenge of growing something a little different, dorstenia might be worth seeking out from specialty nurseries or plant societies. Just remember to always source plants responsibly and never collect from wild populations.
