Aizoaceae
Kanna: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Sceletium tortuosum
Kanna is a low-maintenance succulent but is highly sensitive to overwatering. It thrives best in a bright, slightly shaded location with well-ventilated, sandy-gravelly soil. It enters a dormant state in summer, during which watering should be reduced to a minimum. It is not frost-tolerant and should not be kept in temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Every 12 days
Bright indirect
10° - 32°C
20% - 40%
Categories
What is Kanna?
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a medium-care plant from the Aizoaceae family. Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a creeping, succulent plant with fleshy leaves native to the semi-desert, quartz-rich regions of South Africa. Its name (derived from the Greek 'skeletos', meaning skeleton) comes from the skeleton-like, veined patterns formed by dried leaves remaining on the stem. Its...
Kanna grows up to 25cm, spread of 40cm, watering every 12 days, 10°C – 32°C, 20–40% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Kanna is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 24 days.
How to Care for Kanna?
TLDR: Kanna needs Bright indirect, watering every 12 days, and temperatures between 10-32°C with 20-40% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Kanna?
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. If the leaves begin to wrinkle slightly, it is time to water—overwatering leads to root rot, which is the most common problem for Kanna.
How Much Light Does Kanna Need?
Requires plenty of light: a south-facing windowsill is ideal, but it is advisable to provide some shade from the intense midday sun to protect the leaves from burning.
What Is the Best Soil for Kanna?
Requires well-draining, loose, sandy soil: a cactus or succulent potting mix supplemented with approximately 30% perlite and coarse sand. When growing in pots, always ensure there are drainage holes.
What Pot Should You Use for Kanna?
Unglazed clay or terracotta pots with drainage holes are recommended, as they promote rapid soil drying and reduce the risk of root rot.
What Is Kanna and Where Does It Come From?
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a creeping, succulent plant with fleshy leaves native to the semi-desert, quartz-rich regions of South Africa. Its name (derived from the Greek 'skeletos', meaning skeleton) comes from the skeleton-like, veined patterns formed by dried leaves remaining on the stem. Its small, white, pale yellow, or pink flowers, measuring 20-30 mm in diameter, bloom in spring. Kanna is known in the centuries-old traditions of the Khoisan and San peoples as a mood-enhancing, calming plant, traditionally consumed by chewing or fermenting ('kougoed').
How to Propagate Kanna?
Stem Cuttings
Cuttings root much more easily than seeds. Avoid wet, compacted soil to prevent rot.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem section a few centimeters long
- 2 Allow the cut surface to dry and callous for 1-2 days
- 3 Place in a dry, sandy substrate and do not overwater until it takes root
Materials needed:
Seed Sowing
Seed germination can be uneven and slow; patience is required.
- 1 Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard shell
- 2 Sow shallowly in a well-ventilated, moist substrate
- 3 Keep in a bright location at 20-25°C, protected from direct sunlight
Materials needed:
How Big Does Kanna Grow?
TLDR: Kanna can reach up to 25cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
25cm
Spread
40cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Traditionally used for mood enhancement (mesembrine alkaloids)
- Folk herb applied for the relief of anxiety and stress
- Basis for preparations with mild sedative and tension-relieving effects
Culinary Uses
- Traditionally consumed in chewed, fermented form (kougoed)
- Tea can be prepared from the dried leaves
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Kanna?
TLDR: Kanna is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
A symbol of tranquility, spiritual balance, and traditional healing knowledge—a sacred plant used in Khoisan culture to relieve stress and improve mood.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
