PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense alpine sunlight but needs protection from scorching midday sun in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Tolerates mild frost down to -5°C; prefers cool to temperate temperatures, avoid prolonged heat above 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Fleshy, narrow linear leaves, gray-green, arranged in dense rosettes
- Flower: Tiny yellow cyathia (false flowers) in clustered umbels
- Stem: Short, woody basal stems; exudes milky white sap when broken
Care Guide
Watering
Water when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; reduce during heatwaves to prevent scorching
Fertilization
Diluted cactus fertilizer once every 2 months. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid soft, leggy growth that is prone to damage
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels and improve drainagePruning
- Remove dead leaves from rosette bases to maintain airflow and prevent pest harborage
- Trim spent flower stems after blooming to redirect energy to new growth
- Thin overcrowded rosettes in spring to reduce competition for resources
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Mildly toxic; milky sap may cause oral irritation, vomiting, or skin redness
Humans: Mild toxicity from milky sap; causes skin irritation on contact, mild oral discomfort if ingested
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental rockery and alpine garden plant; container succulent for sunny windowsills
