PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright indirect light when grown indoors; avoid prolonged intense midday sun in hot climates.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot; reduce watering frequency during cooler winter months.
Temperature
Optimal growth temperature range is 15–28°C; tolerates brief light frost down to 5°C but requires protection from prolonged freezing conditions.
Characteristics
- Leaf: Thick, fleshy, sword-shaped leaves with small white teeth along margins; blue-green to gray-green foliage.
- Flower: Tubular, coral-red to orange blooms arranged in branched racemes.
- Stem: Short, thick stem covered in persistent dried leaf bases.
Care Guide
Watering
Water when the top 5–7 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilization
Apply diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer once every 2 months. Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy to prevent nutrient buildup in soil.
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush thoroughly dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle a thin layer on the soil surface to add calcium without risking nutrient burn.Pruning
- Remove dried, brown outer leaves at the base to maintain a tidy rosette shape.
- Trim spent flower stalks close to the rosette after blooming to conserve the plant's energy.
- Gently separate offset pups from the main rosette in spring for propagation, taking care not to damage the parent plant's root system.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Contains saponins and anthraquinones; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential kidney irritation in high doses.
Humans: Ingestion of large amounts of leaf latex may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea); topical use of gel is generally safe.
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, container planters, and indoor succulent collections.
