Mesembryanthemum tortuosum Plant Care
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum, often referred to by its synonym Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant in the family Aizoaceae, native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In English, it is commonly known as kanna, or alternatively kougoed, an Afrikaans term meaning 'chewable thing', originally referring to a fermented preparation of the plant that was chewed by the Indigenous Khoisan peoples for its medical and psychoactive effects.
Full sun
At a glance
How do you care for Mesembryanthemum tortuosum?
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum grows best in full sun.
Where Is the Mesembryanthemum tortuosum Native To?
What Is the Mesembryanthemum tortuosum?
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum (Mesembryanthemum tortuosum) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Mesembryanthemum genus. Mesembryanthemum tortuosum is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum displays a low mat-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Mesembryanthemum tortuosum produces colorful daisy-like flowers in various shades.
What Light Does the Mesembryanthemum tortuosum Need?
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mesembryanthemum tortuosum?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Mesembryanthemum tortuosum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Mesembryanthemum tortuosum?
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 Mesembryanthemum tortuosum?
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ice plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mesembryanthemum tortuosum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mesembryanthemum tortuosum, 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 Mesembryanthemum tortuosum?
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.
Keep exploring plants
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum 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 Mesembryanthemum genus — compare its care with other Mesembryanthemum species on PlantoScan.
Mesembryanthemum is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Mesembryanthemum tortuosum 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: Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L., family Aizoaceae (first published in Sp. Pl.: 487. 1753.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mesembryanthemum tortuosum, 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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