Greenovia Dodrantalis

About Greenovia dodrantalis

Hailing from the mist-kissed, rocky highlands of the Canary Islands, Greenovia dodrantalis (affectionately known as the Mountain Rose or Rose Succulent) is a botanical marvel. In its natural habitat, it nestles among volcanic slopes and pine forests, thriving in bright, filtered light and enjoying cool, humid mountain air. What truly sets it apart is its uncanny resemblance to a tightly furled rosebud. It forms exquisite, layered rosettes that closely mimic the form of a delicate rose. These rosettes typically range from 2 to 6 inches in diameter, offering a sculptural, floral aesthetic. Its plump, smooth, pale green to silvery-green leaves overlap elegantly. The most enchanting feature is its dormancy habit: during hot, dry summer months or under intense light, the rosettes dramatically close up tightly, resembling a perfect rosebud. With cooler temperatures and moisture in fall/spring, they gracefully open up into a wider, flatter rosette. After several years, a mature rosette sends up a tall central stalk bearing clusters of small, star-shaped, bright yellow flowers in late spring or early summer. Similar to its relatives, the flowering rosette completes its life cycle after blooming, but is typically surrounded by offsets.

How to care for Greenovia dodrantalis

Sun: It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade, mimicking its highland home. Morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight is often ideal. Strong, direct afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, can scorch its leaves and encourage excessive dormancy. Indoors, an east or west-facing window is usually perfect.

Water: Watering needs change with its growth cycle. During active growth periods (cooler months - fall, winter, spring), water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, then allow it to dry out somewhat before watering again. During its summer dormancy (when tightly closed), it needs very little water – only occasional sips to prevent excessive root drying. Always avoid water sitting in the crown of the rosette, as this can lead to rot.

Temperature Preferences: Greenovia dodrantalis enjoys moderate temperatures and appreciates cooler nights. It thrives in ranges between 50-75°F (10-24°C). While it can tolerate brief dips near freezing (down to around 25-30°F / -4 to -1°C) if kept completely dry, it's generally considered hardy to USDA zones 9b-11 and is best protected from frost. Heat is its main challenge: Temperatures consistently above 80°F (27°C), especially combined with intense sun, will trigger its protective summer dormancy. Provide shade and increased airflow during hot spells.

Soil & Pot: Excellent drainage is absolutely crucial. Choose a pot with a drainage hole – terra cotta is excellent for breathability. Use a very gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Adding extra perlite, pumice, or small gravel (up to 50%) significantly improves drainage and mimics its rocky origins.

Fertilizer: This succulent is adapted to nutrient-poor soils. Feeding is rarely necessary. If you wish to encourage growth during its active season, a very diluted, balanced fertilizer (like 5-5-5) applied just once in early spring is sufficient. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.

Pests: Greenovia is generally pest-resistant when given proper airflow and not overwatered. However, watch out for common succulent pests like mealybugs or aphids, which might hide in the tight rosettes. Treat any infestations promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues.

Propagation: The most common and successful way to propagate is via the offsets ("pups") that naturally form around the base of the mother plant, especially after flowering. Gently separate these pups when they have formed a few roots of their own, usually in spring or early fall. Leaf propagation is possible but notoriously slow and unreliable with Greenovia. Seed propagation is also an option but requires patience.

More Information
Primary color: Pale Green to Silvery Green (foliage)
Secondary color: None (foliage maintains uniform hue; color intensifies in bright light)
Bloom color: Bright Yellow
Cold hardiness: Zone 9b-11 (tolerant down to 25°F / -4°C only when completely dry)
Product format: Rooted in 2" nursery pot
Suitability:
Indoor: Sunny windowsills (east/west-facing)
Outdoor: Sheltered patios/balconies, container gardens (frost-free zones)
Avoid: Unsheltered gardens in frost-prone areas
Propagation: Offsets ("pups")
Special characteristics:
1. Living rose mimicry – Forms artful rosebud-shaped rosettes
2. Seasonal transformation – Closes tightly in summer/heat, opens in cool seasons
3. Ephemeral blooms – Mature plants (3+ yrs) produce rare yellow flowers before exiting

We pack all shipments by hand. 

We have many years of experience shipping live succulents and cactus plants. We pay close attention to packing and have developed an expert shipping method. All succulents are packed and protected with polypropylene cotton (this is a stuffing used for dolls). We find this is the most effective material for protecting live plants while in transit. It is important to us that you are able to Keep going and Keep growing without any stress about the quality of the product or packaging.

Shipping Speed

In general, it takes 3 to 10 days for plants to arrive after you place your order. All orders will be shipped out 48 hours after you place them. We ship the orders on work days(from Monday to Saturday) and all year round. In normal conditions, it will take 3-10 days for you to receive the package. Estimated shipping times are offered as needed.

HOLIDAYS: During weeks in which a holiday occurs - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, etc. - shipping may be delayed until the following week.

EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE: The Next Gardener reserves the right to hold shipments during storms or periods of extreme heat or cold. This is to ensure your plant does not suffer while it is in transit.

Winter shipping

We insist on shipping succulents to our customers all year round. However due to the extreme winter weather, although we pack succulents with as much protective material as possible, plants are still at increased risk of frost on their way to colder areas. We highly recommend adding one 72-hour heat pack to your order or you can request a hold on the package until it warms up.

Please note that The Next Gardener is not responsible for packages that suffer cold damage without a heat pack. We cannot control the weather. Order at your own risk.

Hawaii, Alaska, and Other US Territories

Fortunately, shipping is available to Alaska, Guam, and other U.S. Territories. However, due to numerous factors beyond our control, including customs checks and shipping delays, free shipping to Hawaii and Puerto Rico is not an option. And we can not provide the 14-day quality guarantee for orders going to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The buyer will assume all risk of damage when a delivery is delayed. We appreciate your understanding.

Sorry. No International Shipping for now!!!