cactus succulent

Hottentot Fig

The Story

Plant Bio

Carpobrotus edulis is a robust, mat-forming succulent perennial native to coastal South Africa, characterized by trailing stems that root at the nodes to bind loose soil. The thick, fleshy leaves are sharply three-angled in cross-section and curve slightly upward, forming a dense, ground-hugging cover.

This species is distinguished by its large, daisy-like flowers that open only in the afternoon, transitioning from bright yellow or pale pink to a dusky bronze-orange as they age. In North America, it has escaped cultivation to become a highly aggressive, ecosystem-altering weed along the California coast.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, succulent groundcover with large, color-shifting daisy-like flowers that open in the afternoon.

Binds loose, sandy soils on steep slopes and coastal cliffs, offering exceptional wind and salt tolerance.

Attracts native bees, honeybees, and small beetles to its pollen-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

12"

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, rocky, or highly porous soil.
Dig a shallow hole just deep enough to accommodate the root system or stem node.
Water sparingly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Establish a strict dry cycle, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Ensure the soil is exceptionally lean and fast-draining; planting this succulent in rich, moisture-retentive loam inevitably triggers root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in poor, sandy soils to maintain a compact, manageable habit.
Clear away dead, rotting thatch from underneath the mats to prevent fungal issues.
Confine plantings to containers or dry inland areas to prevent escape into wild coastal dunes.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not cut back into old, woody, leafless stems, as they will fail to regenerate.
Do not leave discarded stem fragments on bare soil, as they root easily and spread.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardensRock GardensErosion ControlGroundcover

Companion Plants

Fragaria chiloensisCorethrogyne filaginifolia Eriogonum fasciculatum Dudleya pulverulenta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hottentot Fig questions

What zones can Hottentot Fig grow in?

Hottentot Fig is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Hottentot Fig bloom?

Hottentot Fig typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hottentot Fig need full sun?

Hottentot Fig does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Hottentot Fig drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hottentot Fig handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.