Scientific Name
Cyanotis somaliensis C.B.Clarke
Common Name(s)
Pussy Ears, Kitten Ears, Furry Kittens
Synonym(s)
Tradescantia somaliensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Commelinaceae
Subfamily: Commelinoideae
Tribe: Tradescantieae
Genus: Cyanotis
Description
Cyanotis somaliensis is a spreading perennial plant with fleshy trailing stems almost hidden by hairy olive green lance-shaped leaves. It grows up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall with a spread of 20 inches (50 cm). Flowers are small, mauve with prominent golden stamens and appear in clusters in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Grow Pussy Ears in a bright spot for the happiest plant. It likes high light but tolerates medium light. When Pussy Ears doesn't get enough light, it can get leggy, with long stems between the leaves.
If your plant grows too large or becomes too leggy, you can prune Pussy Ears without hurting it. Cut it back at any time of year. By cutting it back, you'll encourage Pussy Ears to become a fuller or bushier plant.
Water Pussy Ears when the top inch (2.5 cm) or so of the potting mix is dry. Take care not to let the potting mix stay wet or soggy for extended periods. If the roots stay too wet, this plant can rot.
If you wish to fertilize your Pussy Ears plant, you can do so in spring and summer. Let the plant rest during the cooler, darker months of autumn and winter. You can use any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Just be sure to follow the directions on the product packaging. Brands formulate their fertilizers differently, so application rates and frequencies vary.
See more at How to Grow and Care for a Pussy Ears (Cyanotis somaliensis).
Origin
This species is endemic to northern Somalia.
Links
- Back to genus Cyanotis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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