Spring Fumewort Plant Care
Corydalis solida (L.) Clairv.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Corydalis solida, fumewort or bird-in-a-bush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, native to moist, shady habitats in northern Europe and Asia. Growing to 25 cm (10 in), it is a spring ephemeral, with foliage that appears in spring and dies down to its tuberous rootstock in summer.
Every 2–3 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Spring Fumewort?
Water Spring Fumewort every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spring Fumewort Native To?
What Is the Spring Fumewort?
Spring Fumewort (Corydalis solida) belongs to the Papaveraceae family within the Corydalis genus. Spring Fumewort is native to moist, shady habitats in northern Europe and Asia. Spring Fumewort is also known as Solid Corydalis.
Spring Fumewort displays a spreading, low-growing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spring Fumewort produces unique spurred flowers in shades of pink, purple, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spring Fumewort?
Corydalis solida requires watering every 2–3 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 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spring Fumewort Need?
Spring Fumewort thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Spring Fumewort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–1,000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spring Fumewort Prefer?
Corydalis solida grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Spring Fumewort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spring Fumewort?
Moist, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Spring Fumewort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spring Fumewort?
Feed Spring Fumewort 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 Spring Fumewort?
Divide and repot every 2-3 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 Spring Fumewort?
Spring Fumewort can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to caucasian corydalis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spring Fumewort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spring Fumewort, 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 Spring Fumewort?
Spring Fumewort is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids. 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 Spring Fumewort Need?
Spring Fumewort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spring Fumewort is native to moist, shady habitats in northern Europe and Asia. In cooler regions, grow Spring Fumewort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Spring Fumewort 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 Corydalis genus — compare its care with other Corydalis species on PlantoScan.
Corydalis is part of the Papaveraceae plant family — browse all Papaveraceae genera and species.
Spring Fumewort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Corydalis Species
Other Corydalis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Corydalis solida (L.) Clairv., family Papaveraceae (first published in Man. Herbor. Suisse : 371 (1811)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spring Fumewort, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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