Photo: FlobbadobCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Island cabbage tree Plant Care
Dendroseris litoralis Skottsb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to the Juan Fernández Islands off the coast of Chile, this plant is known for its large, fleshy, silver-green leaves that are covered in soft hairs. Plant collectors are drawn to Dendroseris litoralis for its unique appearance and rarity in cultivation, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Island cabbage tree?
Water Island cabbage tree every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Island cabbage tree Native To?
What Is the Island cabbage tree?
Island cabbage tree (Dendroseris litoralis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Dendroseris genus. Island cabbage tree is native to the Juan Fernández Islands, which lie in the southeast Pacific, off the west coast of Chile. Island cabbage tree is also known as Dendroseris litoralis.
Island cabbage tree displays a tall, upright perennial growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Island cabbage tree produces large daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow or orange.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Island cabbage tree?
Dendroseris litoralis 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 Island cabbage tree Need?
Island cabbage tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Island cabbage tree Prefer?
Dendroseris litoralis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Island cabbage tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Island cabbage tree?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Island cabbage tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Island cabbage tree?
Feed Island cabbage tree every 6 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 6 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 Island cabbage tree?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Island cabbage tree?
Island cabbage tree can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dendroseris pruinata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Island cabbage tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Island cabbage tree, 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 Island cabbage tree?
Island cabbage tree is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Island cabbage tree Need?
Island cabbage tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Island cabbage tree is native to the Juan Fernández Islands, which lie in the southeast Pacific, off the west coast of Chile. In cooler regions, grow Island cabbage tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Island cabbage tree 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 Dendroseris genus — compare its care with other Dendroseris species on PlantoScan.
Dendroseris is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Island cabbage tree 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: Dendroseris litoralis Skottsb., family Asteraceae (first published in Nat. Hist. Juan Fernandez (Botany) 2(2): 204. 1922) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Island cabbage tree, 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.
- Photo: Flobbadob, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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