Natal sour fig (Carpobrotus dimidiatus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Natal sour fig on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Natal sour fig
Carpobrotus dimidiatus, commonly known as Eastern Sourfig, is a perennial creeping succulent from the Aizoaceae family, native to South Africa. Its robust stems and fleshy, triangular-sectioned leaves form a dense groundcover, producing large, bright pink to purple flowers. It is ideal for rockeries, embankments, or as ground cover in coastal areas and low-maintenance gardens.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and compact growth, though it tolerates some partial shade. It is very drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be sparse, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils and is not demanding in terms of nutrients. A common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this species.
How to save a dying Natal sour fig
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, non-turgid leaves; flaccid or rotting stems.
- First aid
- Remove damaged leaves/stems. Check soil: if dry, water; if wet, let it dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, rotting its succulent roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot isn't too advanced and healthy stems remain for cuttings.