Kaoko Ceraria Plant Care

Kaoko Ceraria (Ceraria kaokoensis) belongs to the Didiereaceae family within the Ceraria genus. Kaoko Ceraria is native to the far north of Namibia and into southern Angola.

Kaoko Ceraria displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Kaoko Ceraria produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kaoko Ceraria every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Kaoko Ceraria thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ceraria kaokoensis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Kaoko Ceraria prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Sandy, well-draining soil mix with gravel and pumice. Good drainage is essential for Kaoko Ceraria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kaoko Ceraria every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and sandy, well-draining soil mix with gravel and pumice. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kaoko Ceraria is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Kaoko Ceraria can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Kaoko Ceraria while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Kaoko Ceraria is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kaoko Ceraria can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dorsland aloe plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Kaoko Ceraria 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.

Kaoko Ceraria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Kaoko Ceraria is native to the far north of Namibia and into southern Angola. In cooler regions, grow Kaoko Ceraria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.