Photo: Denis BarthelCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Dusty Miller Plant Care
Cineraria maritima Wulfen ex Steud.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Jacobaea maritima, commonly known as silver ragwort, is a perennial plant species in the genus Jacobaea in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region. It was formerly placed in the genus Senecio, and is still widely referred to as Senecio cineraria; see the list of synonyms (right) for other names.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dusty Miller?
Water Dusty Miller 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 Miller Native To?
What Is the Dusty Miller?
Dusty Miller (Cineraria maritima) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Cineraria genus. Dusty Miller is native to the Mediterranean region. Dusty Miller is also known as Silver Ragwort, Silver Lace, Othonna maritima.
Dusty Miller displays a compact, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dusty Miller 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 Miller?
Cineraria maritima 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 Miller Need?
Dusty Miller thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Dusty Miller 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 Miller Prefer?
Cineraria maritima grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Dusty Miller prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dusty Miller?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Dusty Miller to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dusty Miller?
Feed Dusty Miller 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 Miller?
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 Miller?
Dusty Miller can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dusty cineraria plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dusty Miller Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dusty Miller, 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 Miller?
Dusty Miller 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 Miller Need?
Dusty Miller grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Dusty Miller is native to the Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Dusty Miller 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 Miller 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 maritima Wulfen ex Steud., family Asteraceae (first published in Nomencl. Bot. [Steudel], ed. 2. 1: 364. 1840) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dusty Miller, 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: Denis Barthel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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