Horwoodia dicksoniae Plant Care
Horwoodia dicksoniae Turrill
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Horwoodia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae. It includes a single species, Horwoodia dicksoniae, an herbaceous annual native to desert regions of Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in the northern Arabian Peninsula.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Plant Horwoodia dicksoniae in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Horwoodia dicksoniae Native To?
What Is the Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Horwoodia dicksoniae (Horwoodia dicksoniae) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Horwoodia genus. Horwoodia dicksoniae is native to desert regions of Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in the northern Arabian Peninsula.
Horwoodia dicksoniae displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Horwoodia dicksoniae produces small clusters of white or purple flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Water a young or newly planted Horwoodia dicksoniae 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Horwoodia dicksoniae Need?
Horwoodia dicksoniae thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Horwoodia dicksoniae Prefer?
Horwoodia dicksoniae tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Horwoodia dicksoniae prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Horwoodia dicksoniae to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Feed Horwoodia dicksoniae 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Horwoodia dicksoniae 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Horwoodia dicksoniae can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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.
How Do You Prune a Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Prune Horwoodia dicksoniae 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.
How Do You Care for a Horwoodia dicksoniae in Winter?
Horwoodia dicksoniae 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.
How Do You Propagate a Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Horwoodia dicksoniae can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Horwoodia dicksoniae Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Horwoodia dicksoniae, 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 Horwoodia dicksoniae?
Horwoodia dicksoniae is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. 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 Horwoodia dicksoniae Need?
Horwoodia dicksoniae grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Horwoodia dicksoniae is native to desert regions of Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in the northern Arabian Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Horwoodia dicksoniae as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Horwoodia dicksoniae 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 Horwoodia genus — compare its care with other Horwoodia species on PlantoScan.
Horwoodia is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Horwoodia dicksoniae 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: Horwoodia dicksoniae Turrill, family Brassicaceae (first published in J. Bot. 77: 117 (1939)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Horwoodia dicksoniae, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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.
