Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Socotra woollyflower Plant Care
Lasiosiphon socotranus Balf.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking silvery-white cylindrical leaves covered in dense woolly hairs, this unique plant originates from the island of Socotra in Yemen. Plant collectors are drawn to Lasiosiphon socotranus for its rare and exotic appearance, making it a coveted addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Socotra woollyflower?
Plant Socotra woollyflower in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Socotra woollyflower Native To?
What Is the Socotra woollyflower?
Socotra woollyflower (Lasiosiphon socotranus) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Lasiosiphon genus. Socotra woollyflower is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen. Socotra woollyflower is also known as Socotran lasiosiphon.
Socotra woollyflower displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Socotra woollyflower produces small fragrant yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Socotra woollyflower?
Water a young or newly planted Socotra woollyflower every 7–14 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Socotra woollyflower Need?
Socotra woollyflower thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Socotra woollyflower Prefer?
Lasiosiphon socotranus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Socotra woollyflower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Socotra woollyflower?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Socotra woollyflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Socotra woollyflower?
Feed Socotra woollyflower 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Socotra woollyflower?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Socotra woollyflower is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Socotra woollyflower?
Socotra woollyflower can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.
How Do You Prune a Socotra woollyflower?
Prune Socotra woollyflower 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.
How Do You Care for a Socotra woollyflower in Winter?
Socotra woollyflower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Socotra woollyflower?
Socotra woollyflower can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Socotra woollyflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Socotra woollyflower, 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 Socotra woollyflower?
Socotra woollyflower is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Socotra woollyflower Need?
Socotra woollyflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Socotra woollyflower is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Socotra woollyflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Socotra woollyflower 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 Lasiosiphon genus — compare its care with other Lasiosiphon species on PlantoScan.
Lasiosiphon is part of the Thymelaeaceae plant family — browse all Thymelaeaceae genera and species.
Socotra woollyflower 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: Lasiosiphon socotranus Balf.f., family Thymelaeaceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 12: 92 (1883)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Socotra woollyflower, 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: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, 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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