About
This erect succulent perennial to 30cm, with erect, fleshy, angled, glaucous stems and solitary thistle-like bright red to orange flowers heads in summer.
About the genus
Kleinia are succulent perennials with prostrate or upright, cylindrical or angular stems bearing fleshy, flat or cylindrical leaves and solitary or clustered, thistle-like flowerheads in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS Africa (Transvaal)
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a mixture of 2 parts leaf mould to 1 part each of loam and gritty sand in bright filtered light. During the growing season feed 2 or 3 times with a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer and water moderately. Keep dry at other times
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19 - 21°C in early spring or by cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free