Codonopsis pilosula Plant Care
Codonopsis chimiliensis J.Anthony
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique tubular, bell-shaped flowers that resemble small hot air balloons, this plant hails from the mountainous regions of China and Nepal. Plant collectors are drawn to Codonopsis chimiliensis for its striking flowers and ability to thrive in cooler climates, making it a coveted addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Codonopsis pilosula?
Water Codonopsis pilosula every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Codonopsis pilosula?
Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis chimiliensis) belongs to the Campanulaceae family within the Codonopsis genus. Codonopsis pilosula is native to China. Codonopsis pilosula is also known as Dangshen.
Codonopsis pilosula displays a twining vine or herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Codonopsis pilosula produces bell-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Codonopsis pilosula?
Codonopsis chimiliensis requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Codonopsis pilosula Need?
Codonopsis pilosula thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Codonopsis pilosula Prefer?
Codonopsis chimiliensis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Codonopsis pilosula prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Codonopsis pilosula?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Codonopsis pilosula to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Codonopsis pilosula?
Feed Codonopsis pilosula 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 Codonopsis pilosula?
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 Codonopsis pilosula?
Codonopsis pilosula can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to clematis-like bonnet bell plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Codonopsis pilosula Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Codonopsis pilosula, 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 Codonopsis pilosula?
Codonopsis pilosula is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Codonopsis pilosula 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 Codonopsis genus — compare its care with other Codonopsis species on PlantoScan.
Codonopsis is part of the Campanulaceae plant family — browse all Campanulaceae genera and species.
Codonopsis pilosula 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: Codonopsis chimiliensis J.Anthony, family Campanulaceae (first published in Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 15: 184 (1926)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Codonopsis pilosula, 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.
- 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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