Photo: Christiaan ViljoenCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sandwort Plant Care
Anacampseros telephiastrum DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent is known for its compact rosettes of chubby, pointed leaves that feature a stunning blend of shades like pink, green, and purple. Originating from South Africa, this plant's unique appearance and ability to thrive in low water conditions make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a pop of color to their collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sandwort?
Water Sandwort every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Sandwort Native To?
What Is the Sandwort?
Sandwort (Anacampseros telephiastrum) belongs to the Anacampserotaceae family within the Anacampseros genus. Sandwort is native to the southern Karoo region of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, from Robertson in the west, to Somerset East in the east.
Sandwort displays a low rosette, clumping succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Sandwort produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sandwort?
Anacampseros telephiastrum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sandwort Need?
Sandwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Sandwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sandwort Prefer?
Anacampseros telephiastrum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Sandwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sandwort?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Sandwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sandwort?
Feed Sandwort every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sandwort?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sandwort?
Sandwort can be propagated through seeds, offsets, leaf cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sand rose plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sandwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sandwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sandwort?
Sandwort is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sandwort Need?
Sandwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Sandwort is native to the southern Karoo region of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, from Robertson in the west, to Somerset East in the east. In cooler regions, grow Sandwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sandwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anacampseros genus — compare its care with other Anacampseros species on PlantoScan.
Anacampseros is part of the Anacampserotaceae plant family — browse all Anacampserotaceae genera and species.
Sandwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Anacampseros Species
Other Anacampseros species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anacampseros telephiastrum DC., family Anacampserotaceae (first published in Cat. Pl. Horti Monsp. : 77 (1813)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sandwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Christiaan Viljoen, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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