Photo: peganum from Henfield, EnglandCC BY-SA 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Bourgaea humilis Plant Care
Bourgaea humilis Coss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique tubular flowers and thick, succulent leaves, this plant hails from the rocky regions of South Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to Bourgaea humilis for its unusual appearance and ability to thrive in hot, arid conditions, making it a coveted addition to any succulent collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bourgaea humilis?
Water Bourgaea humilis every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Bourgaea humilis?
Bourgaea humilis (Bourgaea humilis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Bourgaea genus. Bourgaea humilis is native to Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands. Bourgaea humilis is also known as Cynara humilis.
Bourgaea humilis displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bourgaea humilis produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bourgaea humilis?
Bourgaea humilis 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 Bourgaea humilis Need?
Bourgaea humilis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Bourgaea humilis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bourgaea humilis Prefer?
Bourgaea humilis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Bourgaea humilis prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bourgaea humilis?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Bourgaea humilis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bourgaea humilis?
Feed Bourgaea humilis 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 Bourgaea humilis?
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 Bourgaea humilis?
Bourgaea humilis can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.
Is the Bourgaea humilis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bourgaea humilis, 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 Bourgaea humilis?
Bourgaea humilis is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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 Bourgaea humilis Need?
Bourgaea humilis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Bourgaea humilis is native to Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands. In cooler regions, grow Bourgaea humilis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Bourgaea humilis 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 Bourgaea genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Bourgaea species in the plant lookup.
Bourgaea humilis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bourgaea humilis Coss., family Asteraceae (first published in Notes Crit. 39. 1849) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bourgaea humilis, 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: peganum from Henfield, England, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — 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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