Photo: BogdanCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Dusty Cineraria Plant Care
Cineraria canescens Wendl.Obs. ex Link
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is recognizable by its striking silver-gray leaves and delicate frothy appearance. Originating from the rocky slopes of South Africa, its unique foliage makes it a coveted addition for plant collectors looking to add a touch of elegance to their indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dusty Cineraria?
Water Dusty Cineraria every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Dusty Cineraria Native To?
What Is the Dusty Cineraria?
Dusty Cineraria (Cineraria canescens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Cineraria genus. Dusty Cineraria is native to southern Africa. Dusty Cineraria is also known as Silver Cineraria, Cineraria parviflora, Cineraria aitoniana.
Dusty Cineraria displays a compact, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dusty Cineraria produces colorful daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dusty Cineraria?
Cineraria canescens requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dusty Cineraria Need?
Dusty Cineraria thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Dusty Cineraria in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dusty Cineraria Prefer?
Cineraria canescens grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Dusty Cineraria prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dusty Cineraria?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Dusty Cineraria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dusty Cineraria?
Feed Dusty Cineraria every 4 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 4 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 Dusty Cineraria?
Repot annually in 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 Dusty Cineraria?
Dusty Cineraria can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cineraria grandiflora plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dusty Cineraria Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dusty Cineraria, 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 Dusty Cineraria?
Dusty Cineraria is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Dusty Cineraria Need?
Dusty Cineraria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Dusty Cineraria is native to southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Dusty Cineraria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Dusty Cineraria 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 Cineraria genus — compare its care with other Cineraria species on PlantoScan.
Cineraria is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Dusty Cineraria 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: Cineraria canescens Wendl.Obs. ex Link, family Asteraceae (first published in Enum. Hort. Berol. Alt. 2: 333 (1822)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dusty Cineraria, 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: Bogdan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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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