Cyclopia latifolia Plant Care

Cyclopia latifolia (Cyclopia latifolia) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Cyclopia genus. Cyclopia latifolia is native to the Western Cape and occurs in the Cape Peninsula on Constantiaberg and Table Mountain at altitudes of 900-1000 m.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cyclopia latifolia 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 latifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Cyclopia latifolia 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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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 latifolia 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 latifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cyclopia latifolia is native to the Western Cape and occurs in the Cape Peninsula on Constantiaberg and Table Mountain at altitudes of 900-1000 m. In cooler regions, grow Cyclopia latifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.