Cephalophyllum spissum Plant Care
Cephalophyllum spissum H.E.K.Hartmann
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cephalophyllum spissum is a species of succulent in the family Aizoaceae. It is endemic to the Western Cape.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–80°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Cephalophyllum spissum?
Water Cephalophyllum spissum every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 10–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cephalophyllum spissum Native To?
What Is the Cephalophyllum spissum?
Cephalophyllum spissum (Cephalophyllum spissum) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Cephalophyllum genus. Cephalophyllum spissum is native to the Western Cape.
Cephalophyllum spissum displays a low-growing, mat-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cephalophyllum spissum produces bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cephalophyllum spissum?
Cephalophyllum spissum requires watering every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cephalophyllum spissum Need?
Cephalophyllum spissum thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cephalophyllum spissum Prefer?
Cephalophyllum spissum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Cephalophyllum spissum prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cephalophyllum spissum?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Cephalophyllum spissum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cephalophyllum spissum?
Feed Cephalophyllum spissum every 8 months 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 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cephalophyllum spissum?
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 Cephalophyllum spissum?
Cephalophyllum spissum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to carpet plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cephalophyllum spissum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cephalophyllum spissum, 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 Cephalophyllum spissum?
Cephalophyllum spissum is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids. 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 Cephalophyllum spissum Need?
Cephalophyllum spissum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cephalophyllum spissum is native to the Western Cape. In cooler regions, grow Cephalophyllum spissum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Cephalophyllum spissum 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 Cephalophyllum genus — compare its care with other Cephalophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Cephalophyllum is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Cephalophyllum spissum 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: Cephalophyllum spissum H.E.K.Hartmann, family Aizoaceae (first published in in Mitt. Inst. Allg. Bot. Hamburg 22: 176. 1988.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cephalophyllum spissum, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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