Photo: Nicolas OlejnikCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spreading Springbeauty Plant Care
Claytonia patens Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its heart-shaped leaves and delicate pink or white flowers, this plant native to North America adds a charming touch to any garden. Plant collectors are drawn to Claytonia patens for its unique foliage and its ability to thrive in shady, moist environments, making it a versatile and sought-after addition to their collections.
Every 2–4 days
Partial shade to full shade
45–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spreading Springbeauty?
Water Spreading Springbeauty every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 45–75°F (7–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Spreading Springbeauty Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Chile
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- French Guiana
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Spreading Springbeauty?
Spreading Springbeauty (Claytonia patens) belongs to the Montiaceae family within the Claytonia genus. Spreading Springbeauty is native to much of North and South America, and the Caribbean countries. Spreading Springbeauty is also known as Spreading Miner's Lettuce.
Spreading Springbeauty displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spreading Springbeauty produces small, delicate white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spreading Springbeauty?
Claytonia patens requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spreading Springbeauty Need?
Spreading Springbeauty thrives in partial shade to full shade. Avoid placing Spreading Springbeauty in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spreading Springbeauty Prefer?
Claytonia patens grows best at temperatures of 45–75°F. Spreading Springbeauty prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
45–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spreading Springbeauty?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spreading Springbeauty to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spreading Springbeauty?
Feed Spreading Springbeauty every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Spreading Springbeauty?
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 Spreading Springbeauty?
Spreading Springbeauty can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to siberian miner's lettuce plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spreading Springbeauty Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spreading Springbeauty, 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 Spreading Springbeauty?
Spreading Springbeauty is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Spreading Springbeauty Need?
Spreading Springbeauty grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Spreading Springbeauty is native to much of North and South America, and the Caribbean countries.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Spreading Springbeauty 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 Claytonia genus — compare its care with other Claytonia species on PlantoScan.
Claytonia is part of the Montiaceae plant family — browse all Montiaceae genera and species.
Spreading Springbeauty copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Claytonia Species
Other Claytonia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Claytonia patens Kuntze, family Montiaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 1: 56 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spreading Springbeauty, 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: Nicolas Olejnik, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 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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