Telephium imperati — a hard houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Telephium imperati

Telephium Imperati

Updated · 68 observations
ON THIS PLANT
A note from PlantMom

Tree orpine has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes susceptible to disease in high-humidity conditions and is prone to root rot during dormancy. In terms of care, Tree orpine tolerates drought but requires more water during the growing season. Watering should be drastically reduced or stopped altogether during the dormant period. Tree orpine is appropriate for people with some experience growing plants, but it can be difficult to care for, particularly during dormancy. It is especially suited to those who have time to devote to its care during the winter months.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Telephium Imperati.

Light

Native to dry regions, Tree orpine does best in full sun; its native habitat features strong sunlight and very little shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in growth.

Water

The tree orpine thrives in consistently moist environments, similar to those found in forest understories. To keep it healthy, it needs to be watered weekly. This plant does exceptionally well indoors, where humidity levels can be controlled. As a result, it makes an excellent houseplant, offering year-round vibrancy with minimal maintenance.

Temperature

Tree orpine tolerates some heat but mainly does best and grows in cooler seasons, becoming dormant in summer. In very hot weather, provide shade to avoid scorching from strong sunlight. Watering should also be reduced or stopped during the hottest period to prevent root rot. It shows vigorous growth in winter and spring. Provided the temperature does not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.

Fertilizer

For Tree orpine, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Avoid fertilizing in winter and in summer while it is dormant. Use less fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before feeding. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages blooms.

Pruning

To encourage growth and improve the shape of your orpine tree, it's best to prune it from early to late spring. Remove any damaged stems to promote better air circulation and help prevent disease. Regular pruning results in healthier foliage and more abundant flowers. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to prevent infections and ensure precise cuts.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Telephium
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
10 cm to 30 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green Yellow, Pale Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
PLATES
Telephium imperati leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Telephium imperati leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Telephium imperati flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Telephium imperati flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Telephium imperati fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Telephium imperati fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit