Photo: Eric KnightCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Palmer's harpagonella Plant Care
Harpagonella palmeri A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking silver-gray foliage and delicate fan-shaped leaves, this plant originates from the mountains of Mexico. Harpagonella palmeri is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Every 7–14 days
Partial shade to full sun
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Palmer's harpagonella?
Water Palmer's harpagonella every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Palmer's harpagonella Native To?
What Is the Palmer's harpagonella?
Palmer's harpagonella (Harpagonella palmeri) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Harpagonella genus. Palmer's harpagonella is native to North America. Palmer's harpagonella is also known as Harpagonella succulent.
Palmer's harpagonella displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Palmer's harpagonella produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue and purple.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Palmer's harpagonella?
Harpagonella palmeri 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 Palmer's harpagonella Need?
Palmer's harpagonella thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Palmer's harpagonella Prefer?
Harpagonella palmeri grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Palmer's harpagonella prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Palmer's harpagonella?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Palmer's harpagonella to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Palmer's harpagonella?
Feed Palmer's harpagonella every 2 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 2 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 Palmer's harpagonella?
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 Palmer's harpagonella?
Palmer's harpagonella can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Palmer's harpagonella Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Palmer's harpagonella, 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 Palmer's harpagonella?
Palmer's harpagonella is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Palmer's harpagonella Need?
Palmer's harpagonella grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Palmer's harpagonella is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Palmer's harpagonella as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Palmer's harpagonella 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 Harpagonella genus (family Boraginaceae) — search all Harpagonella species in the plant lookup.
Palmer's harpagonella 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: Harpagonella palmeri A.Gray, family Boraginaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 11: 88 (1876)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Palmer's harpagonella, 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: Eric Knight, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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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