About
Kleinia neriifolia, the carnation tree or candle plant, is a branching, succulent perennial reaching to 3 m in the wild. Pale greyish-green stems with fine reddish-purple lines bear linear to lance-shaped, grey-green leaves clustered at the stem tips. Clusters of small, scented, white or yellow flowers are produced in summer, followed by fluffy seedheads. A bold and architectural succulent for a large, sunny, frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.
About the genus
Kleinia are succulent perennials from Africa, the Canary Islands and Arabia with prostrate or upright, cylindrical or angular stems bearing fleshy, flat or cylindrical leaves and solitary or clustered, thistle-like flowerheads in summer. Easy-care plants for sunny, well-drained, frost-free positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toCanary Is
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a free-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with extra grit, in full light and with good ventilation. Water moderately when in growth. Containers may be placed outdoors in summer but plants will not tolerate frost. Plants may lose leaves in summer, this is an adaptation to limit water loss in the dry season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown at 13 - 18°C as soon as ripe, or by cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free