Photo: Vladislav IsaevCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Namaquanthus nelii Plant Care
Glottiphyllum nelii Schwantes
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent plant is characterized by its thick, triangular leaves that have a unique silvery-green coloration. Originating from South Africa, Glottiphyllum nelii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in dry, arid conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Namaquanthus nelii?
Water Namaquanthus nelii every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Namaquanthus nelii Native To?
What Is the Namaquanthus nelii?
Namaquanthus nelii (Glottiphyllum nelii) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Glottiphyllum genus. Namaquanthus nelii is native to the arid Great Karoo region, South Africa. Namaquanthus nelii is also known as Glottiphyllum nelii subsp. nelii.
Namaquanthus nelii displays a low clumping succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Namaquanthus nelii produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Namaquanthus nelii?
Glottiphyllum nelii requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Namaquanthus nelii Need?
Namaquanthus nelii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Namaquanthus nelii Prefer?
Glottiphyllum nelii grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Namaquanthus nelii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Namaquanthus nelii?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Namaquanthus nelii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Namaquanthus nelii?
Feed Namaquanthus nelii every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Namaquanthus nelii?
Repot every 2-3 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 Namaquanthus nelii?
Namaquanthus nelii can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ice plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Namaquanthus nelii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Namaquanthus nelii, 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 Namaquanthus nelii?
Namaquanthus nelii is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, 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 Namaquanthus nelii Need?
Namaquanthus nelii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Namaquanthus nelii is native to the arid Great Karoo region, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Namaquanthus nelii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Namaquanthus nelii 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 Glottiphyllum genus — compare its care with other Glottiphyllum species on PlantoScan.
Glottiphyllum is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Namaquanthus nelii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Glottiphyllum Species
Other Glottiphyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Glottiphyllum nelii Schwantes, family Aizoaceae (first published in in Möller's Deutsche Gärtn.-Zeitung 43: 92. 1928.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Namaquanthus nelii, 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: Vladislav Isaev, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — 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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