PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun for optimal flowering; tolerates light partial shade in extremely hot climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently; allow the top 5–10 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings to avoid root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 10–25℃; can tolerate short periods of light frost (down to -2℃) when established
Characteristics
- Leaf: Leathery, oblong to elliptical leaves arranged in dense rosettes at branch tips; dark green with smooth margins
- Flower: Large bowl-shaped inflorescence (up to 30 cm diameter) with layered, colorful bracts ranging from pale cream to deep pink
- Stem: Woody, branching stems with rough, brown, fissured bark
Care Guide
Watering
Increase watering frequency during active growth periods; ensure soil drains freely to prevent waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply diluted low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer once every 6 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can inhibit flower production
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush thoroughly dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle a thin layer on the soil surface around the base of the shrub; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent irritationPruning
- Remove spent flower heads after blooming to redirect energy to new growth and encourage subsequent flowering
- Thin overcrowded inner branches in late winter to improve air circulation and reduce fungal disease risk
- Trim back leggy or damaged stems in early spring to maintain a compact, rounded shrub shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: National flower of South Africa; symbolizes courage, transformation, and natural grandeur
Usage: Popular cut flower for high-end floral arrangements; ornamental garden shrub in suitable climates
