Cephalophyllum Care - Bonsai Primer

Cephalophyllum care involves the practices that ensure the healthy growth of the Cephalophyllum plants, commonly known as ‘Red Spike Ice Plant’. This includes providing the right amount of light, water, and nutrients, as well as maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Proper care helps these succulents thrive in a garden setting or as houseplants, showcasing their vibrant blooms and fleshy foliage.

by Mia Cooper

Updated: January 9, 2024 / 5 mins read

Mia Cooper is a passionate bonsai and plant enthusiast, renowned for her expertise in the world of miniature trees and lush houseplants. She is the creator of the website Bonsai Primer, where she shares her knowledge and experiences, offering tips, tutorials, and insights to fellow plant lovers.

Scientific Classification

Cephalophyllum is a plant with a specific place in the world of botany. Scientists have ordered its classification so people can understand it better. This classification puts the plant in a series of groups that range from broad to specific.

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Cephalophyllum
Species: Includes various species, such as Cephalophyllum ‘Red Spike’

Each term in this list has a role in sorting plants. Starting with the kingdom, it gets more specific down to the species. The genus Cephalophyllum includes many plants with similar features.

Light

Cephalophyllum plants need plenty of light to grow well. They come from areas with lots of sun. Put your Cephalophyllum where it can get sunlight for most of the day. Direct sunlight is best for these plants. Without enough light, they may not bloom or look healthy.

When you grow Cephalophyllum inside, choose a sunny window. A south-facing window is a good spot. Make sure the plant gets light for at least six hours a day. If your home doesn’t have enough light, you might need to use a grow light.

Water

Cephalophyllum plants need water to grow, but not too much. These plants are succulents, which means they store water in their leaves. Because of this, they can survive periods without water.

Water your Cephalophyllum when the soil feels dry a few inches below the surface. In the growing season, this might be about once a week. During winter, they need less water. Always check the soil before watering. Too much water can harm the plant.

Soil

Cephalophyllum plants need well-draining soil. They enjoy the same kind of soil as cacti and succulents. This means the soil should not hold water for too long. You want to prevent the roots from sitting in wet soil. That could make the plant rot.

For the best results, mix some sand or gravel into a succulent soil blend. This will help the water to drain faster. You can buy this mix at a store or make your own. Just make sure the soil is not too heavy or clay-like. Light and airy soil is best for Cephalophyllum.

Temperature

Cephalophyllum plants come from South Africa and thrive in warm conditions. They like temperatures that range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, they can handle cooler temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important not to let them get too cold.

If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, Cephalophyllum plants may suffer harm. They could lose leaves or stop growing. In winter, if you live in a colder place, you should move them indoors. Keeping them away from frost is key, as freezing temperatures will kill them.

Humidity

Cephalophyllum plants, like many succulents, prefer a dry environment. Humidity refers to water vapor in the air. It’s how moist or damp the air feels. These plants come from arid areas, so they don’t like too much humidity.

If the air is too wet, your Cephalophyllum might get sick. Too much moisture can cause the roots to rot. Your plant loves the kind of air you feel in a desert. Keep it in a spot that’s not very humid, like near a window or in a room with air flowing. This helps keep your plant healthy and happy.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is a substance that you add to the soil to give plants nutrients for growth. These nutrients are like vitamins for plants. They help your Cephalophyllum get bigger and bloom well. But these plants don’t need much fertilizer.

You should use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, but only a little bit. It’s best to feed your Cephalophyllum in the spring when the growing season starts. You can do it again in summer if needed. Never fertilize in the winter when the plant rests. Too much food can harm your plant.

Size & Growth Rate

Cephalophyllum species are small, low-growing succulent plants. They do not grow very tall. Most often, they spread outwards forming a mat-like structure. This type of growth uses space efficiently.

The rates at which these plants grow can vary depending on the environment. Under ideal conditions, Cephalophyllum can grow quickly. However, they usually have a moderate growth rate. They reach their full size in a few years. This size is usually compact.

Common Issues

Cephalophyllum plants can face some problems. You might see pests like mealybugs or aphids on your plant. These tiny insects suck the sap and weaken the plant. You can spot them as little white cottony or green bugs.

Another issue is overwatering. It can lead to root rot. This is when the roots get too wet and start to die. Signs of this are yellow leaves and a soft, mushy base. Make sure not to water your plant too much to avoid this.

Toxicity

Toxicity refers to how poisonous a plant is to humans, animals, or the environment. For your Cephalophyllum, it’s important to know its level of toxicity. This information can help you keep your pets and family safe.

Fortunately, Cephalophyllum, also known as ice plants, are generally regarded as non-toxic. This means they are safe to keep in your home. They won’t harm your children or pets if they accidentally touch or ingest small amounts of the plant. However, it’s always best to avoid eating any plant that isn’t meant for consumption.