Cyclopia bolusii Plant Care

Cyclopia bolusii Hofmeyr & E.Phillips

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Cyclopia bolusii is a shrub belonging to the genus Cyclopia. The species is endemic to the Western Cape and occurs in the Great Swartberg Mountains.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Cyclopia bolusii?

Plant Cyclopia bolusii in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Cyclopia bolusii Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Cyclopia bolusii?

Cyclopia bolusii (Cyclopia bolusii) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Cyclopia genus. Cyclopia bolusii is native to the Western Cape and occurs in the Great Swartberg Mountains.

Cyclopia bolusii displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Cyclopia bolusii produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Cyclopia bolusii?

Water a young or newly planted Cyclopia bolusii 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 Cyclopia bolusii Need?

Cyclopia bolusii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cyclopia bolusii Prefer?

Cyclopia bolusii tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Cyclopia bolusii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cyclopia bolusii?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Cyclopia bolusii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Cyclopia bolusii?

Feed Cyclopia bolusii 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 Cyclopia bolusii?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cyclopia bolusii is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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 Cyclopia bolusii?

Cyclopia bolusii can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Cyclopia bolusii?

Prune Cyclopia bolusii 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 Cyclopia bolusii in Winter?

Cyclopia bolusii 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.

How Do You Propagate a Cyclopia bolusii?

Cyclopia bolusii can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cyclopia alopecuroides plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Cyclopia bolusii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Cyclopia bolusii, 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 Cyclopia bolusii?

Cyclopia bolusii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Cyclopia bolusii Need?

Cyclopia bolusii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cyclopia bolusii is native to the Western Cape and occurs in the Great Swartberg Mountains. In cooler regions, grow Cyclopia bolusii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Cyclopia bolusii 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 Cyclopia genus — compare its care with other Cyclopia species on PlantoScan.

Cyclopia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Cyclopia bolusii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Cyclopia Species

Other Cyclopia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Cyclopia bolusii Hofmeyr & E.Phillips, family Fabaceae (first published in Bothalia 1: 109 (1922)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cyclopia bolusii, 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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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