Photo: Nicolás Baresch UribeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Peruvian Parsnip Plant Care
Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its large, lush, bright green leaves with deeply lobed edges. Originating from the Andes Mountains in South America, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique flavor and versatility in cooking as a root vegetable.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Peruvian Parsnip?
Water Peruvian Parsnip every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Peruvian Parsnip Native To?
What Is the Peruvian Parsnip?
Peruvian Parsnip (Arracacia xanthorrhiza) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Arracacia genus. Peruvian Parsnip is native to the Andes. Peruvian Parsnip is also known as Yellow Wild Yam, Manioc.
Peruvian Parsnip displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Peruvian Parsnip produces small white umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Peruvian Parsnip?
Arracacia xanthorrhiza requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Peruvian Parsnip Need?
Peruvian Parsnip thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Peruvian Parsnip Prefer?
Arracacia xanthorrhiza grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Peruvian Parsnip prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Peruvian Parsnip?
Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Peruvian Parsnip to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Peruvian Parsnip?
Feed Peruvian Parsnip every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Peruvian Parsnip?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Peruvian Parsnip?
Peruvian Parsnip can be propagated through seeds, root division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to thread-stem arracacia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Peruvian Parsnip Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Peruvian Parsnip, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Peruvian Parsnip?
Peruvian Parsnip is susceptible to aphids, carrot rust fly, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Peruvian Parsnip Need?
Peruvian Parsnip grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Peruvian Parsnip is native to the Andes. In cooler regions, grow Peruvian Parsnip as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Peruvian Parsnip is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Arracacia genus — compare its care with other Arracacia species on PlantoScan.
Arracacia is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Peruvian Parsnip thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr., family Apiaceae (first published in Jamaica J. 4: 18 (1826)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Peruvian Parsnip, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Nicolás Baresch Uribe, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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