Notonia petraea Plant Care

Notonia petraea (Kleinia petraea) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Kleinia genus. Notonia petraea is native to Kenya and Tanzania. Notonia petraea is also known as Notoniopsis petraea, Senecio jacobsenii, Senecio petraeus.

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

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Notonia petraea 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.

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

Kleinia petraea tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Notonia petraea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Notonia petraea 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.

Notonia petraea 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.

Notonia petraea 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 Notonia petraea 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.

Notonia petraea 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.

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

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Notonia petraea 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.

Notonia petraea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Notonia petraea is native to Kenya and Tanzania. In cooler regions, grow Notonia petraea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.