Earthsmoke Plant Care
Fumaria abyssinica Hammar
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's finely dissected, fern-like leaves make it stand out in any garden. Originating from Ethiopia, its unique appearance and delicate pink flowers make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their collection.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Earthsmoke?
Water Earthsmoke 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 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Earthsmoke Native To?
What Is the Earthsmoke?
Earthsmoke (Fumaria abyssinica) belongs to the Papaveraceae family within the Fumaria genus. Earthsmoke is native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Earthsmoke displays a low-growing, spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Earthsmoke produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Earthsmoke?
Fumaria abyssinica 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 Earthsmoke Need?
Earthsmoke thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Earthsmoke Prefer?
Fumaria abyssinica grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Earthsmoke prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Earthsmoke?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Earthsmoke to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Earthsmoke?
Feed Earthsmoke 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 Earthsmoke?
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 Earthsmoke?
Earthsmoke can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white ramping fumitory plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Earthsmoke Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Earthsmoke, 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 Earthsmoke?
Earthsmoke 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 Earthsmoke Need?
Earthsmoke grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Earthsmoke is native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Earthsmoke as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Earthsmoke 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 Fumaria genus — compare its care with other Fumaria species on PlantoScan.
Fumaria is part of the Papaveraceae plant family — browse all Papaveraceae genera and species.
Earthsmoke thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Fumaria Species
Other Fumaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Fumaria abyssinica Hammar, family Papaveraceae (first published in Nova Acta Regiae Soc. Sci. Upsal. , ser. 3, 2: 275 (1858)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Earthsmoke, 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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