Photo: Evan A MillerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Northern Lights Plant Plant Care
Khadia borealis L.Bolus
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is known for its striking silver variegated leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. Originally from the forests of North America, Khadia borealis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and eye-catching foliage, making it a prized addition to any indoor garden.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
60–80°F
30–50%
At a glance
How do you care for Northern Lights Plant?
Water Northern Lights Plant 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 Northern Lights Plant Native To?
What Is the Northern Lights Plant?
Northern Lights Plant (Khadia borealis) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Khadia genus. Northern Lights Plant is native to South Africa and occurs in Limpopo, on the summit of the Soutpansberg, from Lejuma to Mavhode. Northern Lights Plant is also known as Aurora Borealis Plant, Arctic Glow Plant.
Northern Lights Plant displays a low-growing succulent mat growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Northern Lights Plant produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Northern Lights Plant?
Khadia borealis 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 Northern Lights Plant Need?
Northern Lights Plant thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Northern Lights Plant Prefer?
Khadia borealis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Northern Lights Plant prefers humidity levels of 30–50%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
30–50%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Northern Lights Plant?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Northern Lights Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Northern Lights Plant?
Feed Northern Lights Plant 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 Northern Lights Plant?
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 Northern Lights Plant?
Northern Lights Plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to highland khadia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Northern Lights Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Northern Lights Plant, 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 Northern Lights Plant?
Northern Lights Plant 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 Northern Lights Plant Need?
Northern Lights Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Northern Lights Plant is native to South Africa and occurs in Limpopo, on the summit of the Soutpansberg, from Lejuma to Mavhode. In cooler regions, grow Northern Lights Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Northern Lights Plant 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.
Northern Lights Plant 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 borealis L.Bolus, family Aizoaceae (first published in Notes Mesembryanthemum 3: 6. 1936.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Northern Lights Plant, 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: Evan A Miller, 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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