Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Highland Khadia Plant Care
Khadia alticola Chess. & H.E.K.Hartmann
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant red and green foliage, this plant hailing from the cliffs of Socotra Island is a showstopper in any collection. Khadia alticola's unique leaves, shaped like miniature palm fronds, make it a must-have for plant enthusiasts seeking rare and visually striking additions to their gardens.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
60–80°F
30–50%
At a glance
How do you care for Highland Khadia?
Water Highland Khadia every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 30–50% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Highland Khadia Native To?
What Is the Highland Khadia?
Highland Khadia (Khadia alticola) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Khadia genus. Highland Khadia is native to KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga at the Steenkampsberg, Utrecht and Wakkerstroom.
Highland Khadia displays a low-growing succulent mat growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Highland Khadia produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Highland Khadia?
Khadia alticola requires watering every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Highland Khadia Need?
Highland Khadia thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Highland Khadia Prefer?
Khadia alticola grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Highland Khadia prefers humidity levels of 30–50%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
30–50%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Highland Khadia?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Highland Khadia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Highland Khadia?
Feed Highland Khadia every 8 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 8 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 Highland Khadia?
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 Highland Khadia?
Highland Khadia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to northern lights plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Highland Khadia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Highland Khadia, 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 Highland Khadia?
Highland Khadia is susceptible to mealybugs, 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 Highland Khadia Need?
Highland Khadia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Highland Khadia is native to KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga at the Steenkampsberg, Utrecht and Wakkerstroom.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Highland Khadia 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 Khadia genus — compare its care with other Khadia species on PlantoScan.
Khadia is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Highland Khadia 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: Khadia alticola Chess. & H.E.K.Hartmann, family Aizoaceae (first published in Aloë 32: 48. 1995.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Highland Khadia, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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