Photo: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, IndiaCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
G. Don s.n. Plant Care
Crassocephalum crepidioides S.Moore
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Crassocephalum crepidioides, also called ebolo, thickhead, redflower ragleaf, or fireweed, is an erect annual slightly succulent herb growing up to 180 cm tall. Its use is widespread in many tropical and subtropical regions, but is especially prominent in tropical Africa. Its fleshy, mucilaginous leaves and stems are eaten as a vegetable, and many parts of the plant have medical uses. However, the safety of internal use needs further research due to the presence of plant toxins.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for G. Don s.n.?
Plant G. Don s.n. in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the G. Don s.n.?
G. Don s.n. (Crassocephalum crepidioides) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Crassocephalum genus.
G. Don s.n. displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. G. Don s.n. produces small, daisy-like flowers in yellow or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a G. Don s.n.?
Water a young or newly planted G. Don s.n. every 7–10 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the G. Don s.n. Need?
G. Don s.n. thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the G. Don s.n. Prefer?
Crassocephalum crepidioides tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. G. Don s.n. prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a G. Don s.n.?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for G. Don s.n. to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a G. Don s.n.?
Feed G. Don s.n. every 6 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a G. Don s.n.?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
G. Don s.n. is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a G. Don s.n.?
G. Don s.n. can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.
How Do You Prune a G. Don s.n.?
Prune G. Don s.n. 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.
How Do You Care for a G. Don s.n. in Winter?
G. Don s.n. is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a G. Don s.n.?
G. Don s.n. can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to young 158 plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the G. Don s.n. Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 G. Don s.n.?
G. Don s.n. is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the G. Don s.n. Need?
G. Don s.n. grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow G. Don s.n. as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
G. Don s.n. 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 Crassocephalum genus — compare its care with other Crassocephalum species on PlantoScan.
Crassocephalum is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
G. Don s.n. 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: Crassocephalum crepidioides S.Moore, family Asteraceae (first published in J. Bot. 50: 211 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: G. Don s.n. is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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.
