Ceraria namaquensis Specimen 48 / 130

Often small but striking, Ceraria namaquensis offers an architectural silhouette even in miniature. Slender pale stems, with tiny plump leaves, it is a species we are frequently asked about. This larger and mature specimen offers a more wildly shape, with stems spreading sideways as if blowing in the wind. Thick woody stems developed at the base of the plant are that of Portulacaria afra, used as the rootstock to support the growth.

Growing within rocky areas of the Cape Provinces in South Africa and Namibia, where Ceraria namaquensis is fairly widespread, the unusual species has a unique appearance. This slow growing succulent shrub does not grow above 2 metres in height, with a stout grey-ish trunk and slender branches which are covered in silver-green jellybean like leaves. In spring given the right conditions you may see a profusion of small pink flowers just before the plant enters its summer dormancy. Due to the slow growth of this plant, they are commonly grafted onto faster growing root stock. 

This plant naturally dwells is dry open shrubland, so it likes to dry out completely in-between watering. To avoid any loss of water the plant can drop some leaves over the summer months as it goes into its dormancy; when this happens cut the watering down slightly to allow the plant to rest.  

Full sun.

Repot every 2-3 years. Use a well draining cactus compost, adding extra drainage such as perlite, pumice or grit.

Use a cactus fertiliser 3 times between September - May.

See available sizes below. Please note that, due to their natural variability, specimens' height may be within 10-20% of the stated height below.

Plant is supplied in its plastic nursery pot.