Dicentra pauciflora Plant Care
Dicentra pauciflora S.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dicentra pauciflora is a species of flowering plant in Dicentra, the genus containing the bleeding-hearts. Its common names include shorthorn steer's head and few-flowered bleeding-heart.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dicentra pauciflora?
Water Dicentra pauciflora every 7–10 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. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Dicentra pauciflora Native To?
What Is the Dicentra pauciflora?
Dicentra pauciflora (Dicentra pauciflora) belongs to the Papaveraceae family within the Dicentra genus. Dicentra pauciflora is native to the US states of Oregon and California.
Dicentra pauciflora displays a mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dicentra pauciflora produces heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dicentra pauciflora?
Dicentra pauciflora 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 Dicentra pauciflora Need?
Dicentra pauciflora thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Dicentra pauciflora in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dicentra pauciflora Prefer?
Dicentra pauciflora grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Dicentra pauciflora prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dicentra pauciflora?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dicentra pauciflora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dicentra pauciflora?
Feed Dicentra pauciflora 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 Dicentra pauciflora?
Divide and replant every 3-4 years. 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 Dicentra pauciflora?
Dicentra pauciflora can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to squirrel corn plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dicentra pauciflora Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Dicentra pauciflora?
Dicentra pauciflora 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 Dicentra pauciflora Need?
Dicentra pauciflora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dicentra pauciflora is native to the US states of Oregon and California. In cooler regions, grow Dicentra pauciflora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Dicentra pauciflora 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 Dicentra genus — compare its care with other Dicentra species on PlantoScan.
Dicentra is part of the Papaveraceae plant family — browse all Papaveraceae genera and species.
Dicentra pauciflora copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dicentra pauciflora S.Watson, family Papaveraceae (first published in Bot. California 2: 429 (1880)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Dicentra pauciflora is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. 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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