I have 4 dorstenias (1 gigas 2 lancifolia and a foetida) i have them in about 4 hours of morning sun, which is probably in the high 80's to low 90's ... i water about every 3 days in this hot time of the year and they are growing nicely and having the flower shield thing ... one even had seeds, but dorstenia are known for shooting their seeds off so i dont have those ... maybe you just need to water more

I wish I could help, but my only flowering Dorstenia is a D. lavrani, and I treat it pretty much as you describe, except I keep mine outdoors during the summer. It gets around 4 hours of afternoon sun and I water and fertilize it every 2-3 days during warm, sunny weather. It's in a very coarse mix of Turface, granite, and pumice. I've noticed my D. gigas doesn't seem to do well unless the temps are up in the 90's, but the foetida/crispa complex are supposed to be less demanding.

If you have new growth I really don't know what could be wrong. Maybe it will just work itself out in time?

-Chris

Chris, where did you acquire your Dorstenia lavrani? I have tried Mike at Out of Africa but they sell so fast, it's nearly impossible.

I got mine from OOA 2 years ago. I'm on their email list and I thought I remember them saying that you could contact them about plants that sell out, and they will sell you another if it's available. Try emailing them.

-Chris

Just an update... I began watering these guys more frequently with our "hot" Michigan weather and they perked up and are now producing lots of seed!!!!! Anyone up for a Dorstenia seedling?

Hi,
I would find a home for one....what variety are they?
Mike

I would like 2 please whenever they are ready. Im sure my sister would love one. Im not sure if she would like me having one though ... she doesnt like me having the same things as her...

Don't hold your breath because it could be deadly! I just planted the seed and it's going to be a while before we see much of anything.

Hi Biker,

I'm not sure about seed 'pods' on these. When I grew one it just developed seeds directly on the flower head, which it blasted all over the place, no pods that I ever saw.

I gave up keeping this plant, it was super thirsty all the time (like every 3rd day, huge drinks) AND blew its seeds all over & into other plants.

Microthrix: easy answer, don't give her one; if she can't accept the gift of one if you have one as well, perhaps she doesn't need the gift.

Hey Karen, I learned a long time ago, because of my Euphorbia, that you have to be a good Boy Scout and be prepared for exploding seeds. Sorry about the "pod" thing, it's from my Euphorbia experience. I used to have something called tube gauze. We used it in the ER for dressing fingers that were cut. It is a continuous cylindrical gauze dressing; like making a sweater on a circular needle. I would cut pieces about an inch or so long, staple one end and place (stretch) it over a head of Euphorbia flowers. They'd all explode into the netting. Since I've been retired for a very long time, I don't have this available anymore so I improvise.

Hey Biker (sorry, I've forgotten your name),

Good thinking there, I see you've got 'be prepared' covered (oops pun not intentional). And to think I was going to suggest using a piece of pantyhose. Your gauzy thing looks much better!

Those are interesting looking leaves for a Dorstenia, almost reminiscent of some Euphorbias.

Howard

I have to compliment on your plants & the photos...great on both counts (as usually...). Very healthy looking, shiny leaves. Rina

Thanks Rina. You are always so complimentary.

Karen, I got this labeled as Dorstenia crispa v lancifolia but to be honest, I sometimes question the reliability of the vendor and the tags.