Sun Rose Plant Care
Koanophyllon helianthemoides (B.L.Rob.) R.M.King & H.Rob.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its unique silver-gray, woolly leaves that are native to the Mediterranean region. Koanophyllon helianthemoides is highly sought after by plant collectors for its drought tolerance, making it a low maintenance addition to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sun Rose?
Water Sun Rose every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Sun Rose?
Sun Rose (Koanophyllon helianthemoides) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Koanophyllon genus. Sun Rose is native to South Africa, Namibia. Sun Rose is also known as Rock rose.
Sun Rose displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sun Rose produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
How Often Should You Water a Sun Rose?
Koanophyllon helianthemoides requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sun Rose Need?
Sun Rose thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sun Rose Prefer?
Koanophyllon helianthemoides prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sun Rose?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sun Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sun Rose?
Feed Sun Rose every 2 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 2 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 Sun Rose?
Repot every 1-2 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 Sun Rose?
Sun Rose can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to koanophyllon villosum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sun Rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sun Rose, 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 Sun Rose?
Sun Rose is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Sun Rose 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 Koanophyllon genus — compare its care with other Koanophyllon species on PlantoScan.
Koanophyllon is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Sun Rose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Koanophyllon Species
Other Koanophyllon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Koanophyllon helianthemoides (B.L.Rob.) R.M.King & H.Rob., family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 32: 258 (1975)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sun Rose, 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.
- 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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