About

Curio citriformis is a compact, evergreen succulent that exhibits a scrambling growth habit. Its leaves are small, resembling lemons, and range in color from pale to dark green, featuring a waxy texture with prominent veins. This plant produces yellow-white, trumpet-shaped blooms from autumn through winter following a dormant phase, emitting a scent reminiscent of cinnamon.

About the genus

Curio is a group of evergreen succulents that originate from the mountainous regions of Cape Province in South Africa. These plants feature elongated, ribbed leaves and produce disc-like flower heads that lack ray florets.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1C

Plant details

Plant type
Cactus Succulent
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Houseplants
Native to
S Namibia to W Cape Prov.
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a mix of 2 parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost and 1 part each of leaf mould and grit, in full light with good ventilation. When in growth water moderately and apply a half-strength balanced liquid feed monthly. See cactus and succulent cultivation for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by division or by removing and rooting stem sections
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to stem rots if overwatered