PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; tolerates intense direct sunlight in cool climates
Watering
Water deeply only when soil is completely dry; highly drought-tolerant
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; withstands hot, dry summer temperatures up to 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Tight, fleshy, pointed green to reddish rosette leaves with fine ciliate margins
- Flower: Star-shaped pink to purple blooms on tall, erect stems up to 30 cm
- Stem: Short, compact basal stems; flowering stems are leafless or sparsely leaved
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly when soil is fully dry
Fertilization
Diluted feed once every 2 months. Use low-nitrogen, balanced diluted feed to avoid leggy growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without over-fertilizingPruning
- Remove dead outer leaves to maintain rosette appearance and reduce pest habitat
- Trim spent flower stems after blooming to redirect energy to offset production
- Thin overcrowded offsets to improve airflow and prevent fungal rot
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Historically grown on thatched roofs to ward off fire and evil spirits in European folklore
Usage: Rock garden ornamental, green roof groundcover, container succulent
