Photo: James SteakleyCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Succulent Tolpis Plant Care
Tolpis succulenta (Aiton) Lowe
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves, this plant hails from the Mediterranean region. Plant collectors are drawn to Tolpis succulenta for its unique shape and drought-tolerant qualities, making it a prized addition to any succulent collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Succulent Tolpis?
Water Succulent Tolpis every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Succulent Tolpis Native To?
What Is the Succulent Tolpis?
Succulent Tolpis (Tolpis succulenta) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tolpis genus. Succulent Tolpis is native to the Portuguese archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. Succulent Tolpis is also known as Aethonia fruticosa, Crepis pectinata, Crepis succulenta.
Succulent Tolpis displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Succulent Tolpis produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Succulent Tolpis?
Tolpis succulenta 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 Succulent Tolpis Need?
Succulent Tolpis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Succulent Tolpis Prefer?
Tolpis succulenta grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Succulent Tolpis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Succulent Tolpis?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Succulent Tolpis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Succulent Tolpis?
Feed Succulent Tolpis 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 Succulent Tolpis?
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 Succulent Tolpis?
Succulent Tolpis can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to st. barnaby's thistle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Succulent Tolpis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Succulent Tolpis, 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 Succulent Tolpis?
Succulent Tolpis is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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 Succulent Tolpis Need?
Succulent Tolpis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Succulent Tolpis is native to the Portuguese archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. In cooler regions, grow Succulent Tolpis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Succulent Tolpis 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 Tolpis genus — compare its care with other Tolpis species on PlantoScan.
Tolpis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Succulent Tolpis 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: Tolpis succulenta (Aiton) Lowe, family Asteraceae (first published in Man. Fl. Madeira 1(5): 525 (1868)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Succulent Tolpis, 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: James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 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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