Erect Pennywort Plant Care

Erect Pennywort (Centella erecta) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Centella genus.

Erect Pennywort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Erect Pennywort produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Erect Pennywort every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Erect Pennywort thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Erect Pennywort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Centella erecta tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Erect Pennywort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, moist soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Erect Pennywort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Erect Pennywort every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and rich, moist soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Erect Pennywort is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Erect Pennywort can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Erect Pennywort while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Erect Pennywort is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Erect Pennywort can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gotu kola plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Erect Pennywort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Erect Pennywort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Erect Pennywort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.