Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum Plant Care

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum (Chamaeranthemum beyrichii) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Chamaeranthemum genus. Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum is native to South Africa. Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum is also known as Echeveria beyrichii.

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Chamaeranthemum beyrichii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum every 2 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m). Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum 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 shrub in one year.

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to round-leafed chamaeranthemum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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.

Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Red-leaf Chamaeranthemum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.