Coral-jewels Plant Care

Coral-jewels (Kleinia fulgens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Kleinia genus. Coral-jewels is native to Southern Africa, which used to be of the genus Senecio. Coral-jewels is also known as Scarlet paintbrush, Notonia fulgens, Notonia welwitschii.

Coral-jewels displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Coral-jewels produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coral-jewels every 10–14 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.

Coral-jewels thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Coral-jewels in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Kleinia fulgens tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Coral-jewels prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining succulent mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Coral-jewels to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Coral-jewels 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining succulent mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coral-jewels is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Coral-jewels can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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.

Prune Coral-jewels 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.

Coral-jewels is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Coral-jewels can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to notonia amaniensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Coral-jewels is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. 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.

Coral-jewels grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Coral-jewels is native to Southern Africa, which used to be of the genus Senecio. In cooler regions, grow Coral-jewels as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.