Cyclopia intermedia Plant Care

Cyclopia intermedia (Cyclopia intermedia) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Cyclopia genus.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cyclopia intermedia 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.

Cyclopia intermedia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Cyclopia intermedia 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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 intermedia 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.

Cyclopia intermedia 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.

Prune Cyclopia intermedia 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.

Cyclopia intermedia 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.

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

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

Cyclopia intermedia 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.

Cyclopia intermedia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Cyclopia intermedia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.