Caltrop (Tetraena simplex)
Care, watering, light and tips for Caltrop on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Zygophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Caltrop
Tetraena simplex, commonly known as lunwo, is a perennial succulent plant belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, native to arid regions. It is characterized by its prostrate or trailing stems and small, fleshy, grayish-green leaves, often with a reddish tint under drought or sun stress. It is ideal for rock gardens, low-maintenance gardens in dry climates, or as a groundcover in sunny areas.
Native range
Africa and Asia
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and good coloration; it tolerates partial shade but with less flowering and compactness. Watering should be infrequent, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, and almost none in winter to prevent rot. Use a very well-drained, sandy or succulent-specific substrate. A common mistake is overwatering, which leads to root and stem rot, as this plant is very susceptible to constant moisture.
How to save a dying Caltrop
- Warning signs
- Rapid yellowing and dropping leaves, soft or dry and brittle stems.
- First aid
- Check watering. If dry, water deeply; if waterlogged, stop watering and improve drainage. Move to bright light, no intense direct sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its biggest enemy, causing root rot. Also extreme cold or complete lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it often recovers if the problem, especially watering, is corrected promptly. It's a resilient plant.