Drosanthemum hispidum
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (5) · fruit (0) · bark (0) · habit (1) · other (0)

Drosanthemum hispidum

Hairy dewflower

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
0
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
90
Observations
115

Description

Source: leafsnap

Drosanthemum hispidum, commonly known as the Hairy Dewflower, is a succulent plant native to South Africa and a member of the Aizoaceae family. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive pink flowers and unique hairy leaves. The plant typically grows up to 10 cm in height and spreads up to 30 cm in width. Its small, cylindrical leaves are covered with fine white hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The flowers, which bloom from late spring through summer, are pink or purple with yellow centers. Drosanthemum hispidum prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during the growing season promotes optimal growth. This low-maintenance succulent is an excellent addition to rock gardens or container gardens due to its compact size and year-round attractive appearance.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

The hairy dewflower thrives in arid environments, demonstrating excellent drought tolerance. It needs watering only every 1-2 weeks and grows best in sandy soil, which provides optimal drainage. This highlights its minimal water requirements.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Native to arid regions, Hairy dewflower thrives in full sun, its native habitat marked by strong sunlight and little shade. It also tolerates partial sun, allowing some flexibility in its growth.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Hairy dewflower does best in warm conditions and needs elevated temperatures during the growing season to support growth and metabolism. It prefers plenty of sunlight, suitable moisture, and good air circulation. However, it is vulnerable to harm from very low temperatures and from overwatering. It’s also important to avoid extremes — both excessively high heat and overly dry conditions should be prevented.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
FAQ
What is the botanical name of the Hairy dewflower?

The botanical name of the Hairy dewflower is Drosanthemum hispidum. This name helps in scientifically identifying the plant, distinguishing it from other species with similar common names.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 0-0
Soil pH: 0-0
🌱 Fertilizer

Hairy dewflower only needs light doses of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter and summer while the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before you fertilize. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes blooming.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

The hairy dewflower is a low-growing succulent known for its colorful blooms and hairy foliage. To encourage new growth and maintain a compact shape, it's best to prune it in early spring. Use clean shears to trim back to healthy tissue since careful pruning enhances flowering. However, be cautious not to over-prune, as this can stress the plant.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Drosanthemum
Family
Aizoaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
15 cm
Mature Spread
91 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Summer, Early fall
Native Area
South Africa, Namibia

Tags (6)

Common Names (1)

en Hairy dewflower