Photo: (of code) -xfi-CC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Eclipta Plant Care
Eclipta pusilla M.E.Jones
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its small, oval-shaped leaves with a prominent white midvein. Originating from tropical regions in Africa and Asia, Eclipta pusilla is sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage that adds a touch of elegance to any collection.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Eclipta?
Water Eclipta every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Eclipta Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Cayman Islands
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United States
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Eclipta?
Eclipta (Eclipta pusilla) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Eclipta genus. Eclipta is native to the island of Puerto Rico in the West Indies, part of the United States. Eclipta is also known as Eclipta pusilla.
Eclipta displays a low spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Eclipta produces small white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Eclipta?
Eclipta pusilla requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Eclipta Need?
Eclipta thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Eclipta Prefer?
Eclipta pusilla grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Eclipta prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Eclipta?
Moist, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Eclipta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Eclipta?
Feed Eclipta every 4 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 4 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 Eclipta?
Repot annually 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 Eclipta?
Eclipta can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Eclipta Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Eclipta, 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 Eclipta?
Eclipta 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 Eclipta Need?
Eclipta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Eclipta is native to the island of Puerto Rico in the West Indies, part of the United States. In cooler regions, grow Eclipta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Eclipta 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 Eclipta genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Eclipta species in the plant lookup.
Eclipta 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: Eclipta pusilla M.E.Jones, family Asteraceae (first published in Contr. W. Bot. 18: 70 (1933)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Eclipta, 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: (of code) -xfi-, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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