Ballhead Waterleaf Plant Care
Hydrophyllum capitatum Douglas ex Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hydrophyllum capitatum, is a species of waterleaf known by the common name ballhead waterleaf. It is native to Western North America from British Columbia to Utah.
Partial to full shade
At a glance
How do you care for Ballhead Waterleaf?
Ballhead Waterleaf grows best in partial to full shade.
Where Is the Ballhead Waterleaf Native To?
What Is the Ballhead Waterleaf?
Ballhead Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Hydrophyllum genus. Ballhead Waterleaf is native to Western North America from British Columbia to Utah. Ballhead Waterleaf is also known as Hairy Waterleaf.
Ballhead Waterleaf displays a low rosette, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Ballhead Waterleaf produces small, delicate bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue or white.
What Light Does the Ballhead Waterleaf Need?
Ballhead Waterleaf thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Ballhead Waterleaf in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ballhead Waterleaf?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Ballhead Waterleaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Ballhead Waterleaf?
Repot every 2-3 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 Ballhead Waterleaf?
Ballhead Waterleaf can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canadian waterleaf plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ballhead Waterleaf Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ballhead Waterleaf, 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 Ballhead Waterleaf?
Ballhead Waterleaf is susceptible to slugs, snails, powdery mildew. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Ballhead Waterleaf 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 Hydrophyllum genus — compare its care with other Hydrophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Hydrophyllum is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.
Ballhead Waterleaf copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Hydrophyllum Species
Other Hydrophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hydrophyllum capitatum Douglas ex Benth., family Boraginaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 17: 273 (1835)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ballhead Waterleaf, 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.
- 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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