Photo: Mahomed DesaiCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Smith's Dewplant Plant Care
Malephora smithii (L.Bolus) H.E.K.Hartmann
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent species is known for its striking, bright pink flowers that cover the plant in summer. Native to South Africa, Malephora smithii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its stunning floral display and unique, compact growth habit that makes it ideal for rock gardens and containers.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Smith's Dewplant?
Water Smith's Dewplant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Smith's Dewplant Native To?
What Is the Smith's Dewplant?
Smith's Dewplant (Malephora smithii) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Malephora genus. Smith's Dewplant is native to South Africa and occurs in the Free State.
Smith's Dewplant displays a low mat-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Smith's Dewplant produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smith's Dewplant?
Malephora smithii 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 Smith's Dewplant Need?
Smith's Dewplant thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smith's Dewplant Prefer?
Malephora smithii grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Smith's Dewplant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smith's Dewplant?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Smith's Dewplant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smith's Dewplant?
Feed Smith's Dewplant every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Smith's Dewplant?
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 Smith's Dewplant?
Smith's Dewplant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to thick-leaf malephora plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smith's Dewplant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smith's Dewplant, 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 Smith's Dewplant?
Smith's Dewplant 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 Smith's Dewplant Need?
Smith's Dewplant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Smith's Dewplant is native to South Africa and occurs in the Free State. In cooler regions, grow Smith's Dewplant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Smith's Dewplant 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 Malephora genus — compare its care with other Malephora species on PlantoScan.
Malephora is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Smith's Dewplant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Malephora Species
Other Malephora species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Malephora smithii (L.Bolus) H.E.K.Hartmann, family Aizoaceae (first published in Illustr. Handb. Succ. Pl. Aizoaceae F-Z: 141. 2001.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smith's Dewplant, 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: Mahomed Desai, 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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