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Description
Umbilicus Rupestris, commonly known as Navelwort or Penny-pies, is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This perennial plant is native to Europe and thrives in rocky environments, including walls, cliffs, and crevices.The plant has a rosette-like growth pattern, and its leaves are thick and fleshy, with a bright green color. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern and are shaped like a slightly curved spoon, with a rounded tip and a slightly indented base. The plant produces small white or pink flowers in the summer, which are arranged in a cluster at the top of a tall stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Umbilicus |
| Species | Rupestris |
Appearance
Umbilicus Rupestris is a compact plant that can grow up to 15cm in height and 30cm in width. The leaves of the plant are arranged in a rosette-like pattern and are bright green in color. The leaves grow up to 5cm in length and 2cm in width, and are slightly curved spoon-shaped, with a rounded tip and a slightly indented base.The plant produces small white or pink flowers in the summer, which are arranged in a cluster at the top of a tall stem. The flowers have five petals and are about 5mm in diameter.
Care Guide
Umbilicus Rupestris is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips for this plant:Water: Water the plant sparingly, making sure that the soil is completely dry before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite to create a well-draining soil.Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Umbilicus Rupestris is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Umbilicus Rupestris is generally pest-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent root rot, make sure that the soil is completely dry before watering again.
Habitat
Umbilicus Rupestris is native to Europe and can be found growing in rocky environments, including walls, cliffs, and crevices. The plant can also be grown in containers and is an excellent choice for rock gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Umbilicus Rupestris a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Umbilicus Rupestris is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in dry conditions.Q: Can Umbilicus Rupestris be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Umbilicus Rupestris can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.Q: How often should I fertilize Umbilicus Rupestris?
A: You can fertilize Umbilicus Rupestris once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Umbilicus Rupestris?
A: Umbilicus Rupestris is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Umbilicus Rupestris:
- Crassula Ovata
- Echeveria
- Sedum
- Kalanchoe
References
- “Umbilicus Rupestris.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b860
- “Umbilicus Rupestris.” PlantZAfrica. http://pza.sanbi.org/umbilicus-rupestris
- “Umbilicus Rupestris.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18821/umbilicus-rupestris/details
