Water
Water thoroughly when the soil has dried out completely. Allow excess water to drain away, as the Coppery Mesemb is drought-tolerant and prone to root rot if overwatered.
Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy to prevent rot.
Also known as Coppery Iceplant · Coppery Mesembryanthemum · Coppery Vygie
Malephora crocea, the Coppery Mesemb, is a striking succulent native to South Africa, known for its vibrant, coppery-orange daisy-like flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to bright indirect light
75% intensity
Needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for best flowering and compact growth. Can tolerate partial shade.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings
25% intensity
Drought tolerant, but requires thorough watering when dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Sandy, Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm to moderate
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-25°C. Can tolerate higher temperatures but protect from frost.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a diluted balanced fertilizer during the growing season only.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil has dried out completely. Allow excess water to drain away, as the Coppery Mesemb is drought-tolerant and prone to root rot if overwatered.
Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy to prevent rot.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems.
Light pruning can be done year-round, but heavier pruning is best performed in spring before new growth begins to ensure vigorous regrowth.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks in warm conditions with bright, indirect light.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a gritty, well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. Repot in spring, before the active growing season, to minimize stress.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Coppery Mesemb (Malephora crocea)
Where Coppery Mesemb (Malephora crocea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Malephora |
| Species | Malephora crocea |
Similar in genus Malephora
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
