Cape ivy Plant Care
Delairea odorata Lem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Delairea odorata is a climber within the family Asteraceae that is native to South Africa. One of the two species in the genus Delairea, it was previously included in the genus Senecio as Senecio mikanioides.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cape ivy?
Water Cape ivy every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Cape ivy Native To?
What Is the Cape ivy?
Cape ivy (Delairea odorata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Delairea genus. Cape ivy is native to South Africa. Cape ivy is also known as German ivy, Climbing groundsel.
Cape ivy displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cape ivy produces small, yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cape ivy?
Delairea odorata 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 Cape ivy Need?
Cape ivy thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cape ivy in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cape ivy Prefer?
Delairea odorata grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Cape ivy prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cape ivy?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Cape ivy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cape ivy?
Feed Cape ivy 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 Cape ivy?
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 Cape ivy?
Cape ivy can be propagated through stem cuttings, division.
Is the Cape ivy Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Cape ivy?
Cape ivy is susceptible to aphids, 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 Cape ivy Need?
Cape ivy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Cape ivy is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cape ivy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Cape ivy 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 Delairea genus — compare its care with other Delairea species on PlantoScan.
Delairea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Cape ivy 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: Delairea odorata Lem., family Asteraceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 3, 1: 380 (1844)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Cape ivy 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.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Cape ivy Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species