Cottonweed Plant Care
Filago cuneata Lojac.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Filago pyramidata, the broadleaf cottonrose or broad-leaved cudweed, is a European plant species in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, plus Great Britain, the Low Countries, and Germany.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cottonweed?
Water Cottonweed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part 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 Cottonweed Native To?
What Is the Cottonweed?
Cottonweed (Filago cuneata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Filago genus. Cottonweed is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, plus Great Britain, the Low Countries, and Germany.
Cottonweed displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cottonweed produces small, clustered yellow or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cottonweed?
Filago cuneata 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 Cottonweed Need?
Cottonweed thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cottonweed Prefer?
Filago cuneata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Cottonweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cottonweed?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cottonweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cottonweed?
Feed Cottonweed 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 Cottonweed?
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 Cottonweed?
Cottonweed can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to broadleaf cudweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cottonweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cottonweed, 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 Cottonweed?
Cottonweed 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 Cottonweed Need?
Cottonweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Cottonweed is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, plus Great Britain, the Low Countries, and Germany.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Cottonweed 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 Filago genus — compare its care with other Filago species on PlantoScan.
Filago is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Cottonweed 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: Filago cuneata Lojac., family Asteraceae (first published in in Lojac. Fl. Sic. 2(1): 107.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cottonweed, 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 8a – 10b, 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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