Species Plantarum Plant Care
Lactuca quercina L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Lactuca quercina plant is easily identifiable by its deeply lobed oak-like leaves, resembling a miniature tree. Originating from Europe and Asia, this distinctive plant is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and striking resemblance to oak leaves.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Species Plantarum?
Water Species Plantarum every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Species Plantarum Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum (Lactuca quercina) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Lactuca genus. Species Plantarum is native to Europe and Asia.
Species Plantarum displays a compact rosette growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Species Plantarum produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Species Plantarum?
Lactuca quercina 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 Species Plantarum Need?
Species Plantarum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Species Plantarum Prefer?
Lactuca quercina grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Species Plantarum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Species Plantarum?
Well-draining, fertile loam with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Species Plantarum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Species Plantarum?
Feed Species Plantarum every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Species Plantarum?
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 Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine lettuce plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Species Plantarum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Species Plantarum, 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 Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Species Plantarum Need?
Species Plantarum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Species Plantarum is native to Europe and Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Species Plantarum 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 Lactuca genus — compare its care with other Lactuca species on PlantoScan.
Lactuca is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Species Plantarum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lactuca Species
Other Lactuca species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lactuca quercina L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 795 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Species Plantarum, 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 5a – 9b, 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.
