Psammophora modesta Plant Care
Psammophora modesta (Dinter & A.Berger) Dinter & Schwantes
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Psammophora modesta, commonly known as the gomvy in Afrikaans, is a succulent plant in the Aizoaceae family. The species is native to Namibia and South Africa.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Psammophora modesta?
Water Psammophora modesta every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Psammophora modesta Native To?
What Is the Psammophora modesta?
Psammophora modesta (Psammophora modesta) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Psammophora genus. Psammophora modesta is native to Namibia and South Africa.
Psammophora modesta displays a low-growing, mat-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Psammophora modesta produces produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Psammophora modesta?
Psammophora modesta requires watering every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Psammophora modesta Need?
Psammophora modesta thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Psammophora modesta Prefer?
Psammophora modesta grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Psammophora modesta prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Psammophora modesta?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Psammophora modesta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Psammophora modesta?
Feed Psammophora modesta every 6 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 6 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 Psammophora modesta?
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 Psammophora modesta?
Psammophora modesta can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to psammophora longifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Psammophora modesta Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Psammophora modesta, 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 Psammophora modesta?
Psammophora modesta 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 Psammophora modesta Need?
Psammophora modesta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Psammophora modesta is native to Namibia and South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Psammophora modesta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Psammophora modesta 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 Psammophora genus — compare its care with other Psammophora species on PlantoScan.
Psammophora is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Psammophora modesta 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: Psammophora modesta (Dinter & A.Berger) Dinter & Schwantes, family Aizoaceae (first published in in Z. Sukkulentenk. 2: 189. 1926.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Psammophora modesta, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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