Common Nipplewort Plant Care
Lapsana communis subsp. communis L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Common Nipplewort?
Water Common Nipplewort 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.
What Is the Common Nipplewort?
Common Nipplewort (Lapsana communis subsp. communis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Lapsana genus. Common Nipplewort is also known as Nipplewort.
Common Nipplewort displays a low-growing herbaceous plant growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Common Nipplewort produces small yellow composite flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Common Nipplewort?
Lapsana communis subsp. communis 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 Common Nipplewort Need?
Common Nipplewort thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Common Nipplewort Prefer?
Lapsana communis subsp. communis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Common Nipplewort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Common Nipplewort?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Common Nipplewort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Common Nipplewort?
Feed Common Nipplewort 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 Common Nipplewort?
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 Common Nipplewort?
Common Nipplewort can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to species plantarum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Common Nipplewort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Common Nipplewort, 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 Common Nipplewort?
Common Nipplewort is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, spider mites. 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 Common Nipplewort Need?
Common Nipplewort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Common Nipplewort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Common Nipplewort 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 Lapsana genus — compare its care with other Lapsana species on PlantoScan.
Lapsana is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Common Nipplewort 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: Lapsana communis subsp. communis L., family Asteraceae (first published in 811 1753) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Common Nipplewort, 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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