Photo: Dennis VollmarCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spanish Clover Plant Care
Desmodium incanum (G.Mey.) DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its trifoliate leaves, which are hairy and silvery. Originating from South Africa, Desmodium incanum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in dry, arid conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to full sun
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spanish Clover?
Water Spanish Clover every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spanish Clover Native To?
What Is the Spanish Clover?
Spanish Clover (Desmodium incanum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Desmodium genus. Spanish Clover is native to Central and South America. Spanish Clover is also known as Beggar-ticks, Tick-trefoil.
Spanish Clover displays a spreading, low-growing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spanish Clover produces small, pea-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spanish Clover?
Desmodium incanum 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 Spanish Clover Need?
Spanish Clover thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Spanish Clover in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spanish Clover Prefer?
Desmodium incanum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Spanish Clover prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spanish Clover?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spanish Clover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spanish Clover?
Feed Spanish Clover 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 Spanish Clover?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Spanish Clover?
Spanish Clover can be propagated through seeds, division of roots, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to showy tick-trefoil plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spanish Clover Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spanish Clover, 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 Spanish Clover?
Spanish Clover 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spanish Clover Need?
Spanish Clover grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Spanish Clover is native to Central and South America. In cooler regions, grow Spanish Clover as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Spanish Clover 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 Desmodium genus — compare its care with other Desmodium species on PlantoScan.
Desmodium is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Spanish Clover thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Desmodium Species
Other Desmodium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Desmodium incanum (G.Mey.) DC., family Fabaceae (first published in Prodr. 2: 332 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spanish Clover, 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: Dennis Vollmar, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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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