Drosanthemum globosum is a vibrant, low-maintenance succulent. Admired for its sparkling foliage and abundant blooms, it adds color to gardens. Its drought tolerance and adaptability make it suitable for those seeking beauty without extensive care. These features contribute to its popularity.
Understanding Drosanthemum Globosum
Drosanthemum globosum, sometimes referred to as the globular dewplant, is a succulent shrublet native to South Africa. It has erect, branched stems with small, spherical leaves covered in translucent papillae, giving them a shimmering, dewy appearance. The fleshy leaves are green, developing hints of yellow, orange, pink, or red under intense sunlight. It grows to about 18 inches tall, producing numerous daisy-like flowers from late winter to spring. Often magenta with pink centers, these blooms contrast strikingly with the foliage. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b.
Cultivation and Care
Light
Drosanthemum globosum thrives in bright conditions, requiring ample sunlight for optimal growth and flowering. At least six hours of direct sun daily encourages compact form and vibrant leaf coloration. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and fewer blooms. In extremely hot climates, protect the plant from intense midday sun to prevent leaf burn.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential for Drosanthemum globosum, mimicking its native arid environment. A porous mix, like a commercial succulent blend or a custom mix with sand, perlite, or grit, provides necessary drainage. It does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root problems. Excellent drainage allows roots to access oxygen and prevents excess moisture accumulation.
Water
This succulent is drought-tolerant, storing water in its fleshy leaves. Water thoroughly only after the soil has completely dried out between waterings. Overwatering is a common pitfall, causing root rot, especially during cooler periods or winter dormancy when minimal water is needed. Water every 5-7 days in summer, reducing to about once a month in winter, adjusting for environmental conditions.
Temperature and Climate
Drosanthemum globosum prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of significant frost. It performs best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, where winter temperatures remain above 25°F (-3.9°C). While it withstands high temperatures, adequate air circulation is beneficial. In frost-prone regions, provide protection or grow it as an annual.
Fertilizing
It has low fertilization needs. If repotted every two years into fresh, well-draining soil, additional feeding may not be necessary. If fertilizing, a light application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring supports healthy growth. Excessive nitrogen promotes lush foliage at the expense of flowers, leading to elongated, less compact growth. A light feeding with a phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer can support blooming.
Planting and Landscaping Uses
Drosanthemum globosum is excellent for various landscaping applications, particularly in low-water gardens. Its mat-forming, spreading habit makes it an effective groundcover, suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion on slopes. When planting, allow adequate space for its spread, spacing individual plants several inches apart.
It excels in rock gardens, where its vibrant flowers and unique foliage cascade over stones, creating visual contrast. It is also well-suited for xeriscaping, coastal gardens, and border edges, thriving where many other plants struggle. Its water storage ability allows it to flourish in dry, sunny locations, making it a sustainable option for arid or semi-arid climates.
Propagation
Propagation is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are often the easiest and most common method. Take healthy stem segments, ideally in spring or summer, allowing the cut end to dry and form a callous for a few days to prevent rot. Once calloused, plant cuttings in a well-draining, gritty soil mix and water sparingly until roots establish.
For seed propagation, sow small seeds on the surface of a sandy mix, in the fall after harvesting. Gently mist the surface to settle seeds and maintain moisture. Warmth and bright light encourage germination. While cuttings offer quicker establishment, growing from seed allows for a larger quantity of new plants.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
While resilient, a few common issues can arise, often related to improper care. Overwatering is the most frequent problem, leading to root rot, which manifests as mushy stems or general plant decline. Ensuring the soil completely dries between waterings prevents this.
Lack of flowering is often due to insufficient light, as the plant requires abundant sun for blooms. Over-fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen formulas, can also hinder flowering by promoting leafy growth. Leggy plants indicate insufficient light, as they stretch to find more. This plant is resistant to most pests, though occasional issues with snails have been noted.