Furcaria Furcraea foetida is a species of plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Furcaria Furcraea foetida is a small, perennial herb growing to 20 cm tall. The leaves are opposite, oblong-lanceolate, 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are white, borne in paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a capsule.
Furcraea foetida is found in the highlands of Ecuador, at altitudes of 3000-4000 m. It occurs in humid montane forest and alpine meadows.
The main threat to Furcaria is habitat loss due to agriculture, forestry and mining.
How to care
Furcaria should be grown in a well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil. It is drought tolerant once established.
Water requirement:
Furcaria requires moderate to high water.
Sunlight:
Furcaria prefers full sun to partial shade.
Pruning:
Furcaria does not require pruning.
Fertilizing:
Plant requires moderate to high fertilizer.
Propagation:
Plant can be propagated by seed or division.
Pests and diseases:
Furcaria is susceptible to powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew:
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants. It is characterized by white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of infected plants.
Powdery mildew can be controlled with a number of different fungicides. However, it is important to choose a fungicide that is specifically labeled for powdery mildew and the plant you are treating.
Some powdery mildew fungi are resistant to certain fungicides. Therefore, it is important to rotate between different fungicides to reduce the chances of resistance developing.
Rust:
Rust is a fungal disease that affects many different plants. It is characterized by orange or brown pustules on the leaves of infected plants.
Rust can be controlled with a number of different fungicides. However, it is important to choose a fungicide that is specifically labeled for rust and the plant you are treating.
Some rust fungi are resistant to certain fungicides. Therefore, it is important to rotate between different fungicides to reduce the chances of resistance developing.
Propaagation:
Furcaria can be propagated by seed or division
Landscape uses:
Furcaria is suitable for use as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, alpine gardens and wildflower gardens.