Lepidium pinnatifidum Plant Care
Lepidium pinnatifidum Ledeb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lepidium pinnatifidum is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known in English by the common name featherleaf pepperweed.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Plant Lepidium pinnatifidum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Lepidium pinnatifidum (Lepidium pinnatifidum) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Lepidium genus.
Lepidium pinnatifidum displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lepidium pinnatifidum produces small white or pink clustered blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Water a young or newly planted Lepidium pinnatifidum every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Lepidium pinnatifidum Need?
Lepidium pinnatifidum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lepidium pinnatifidum Prefer?
Lepidium pinnatifidum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Lepidium pinnatifidum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lepidium pinnatifidum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Feed Lepidium pinnatifidum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Lepidium pinnatifidum is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Lepidium pinnatifidum can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Prune Lepidium pinnatifidum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Lepidium pinnatifidum in Winter?
Lepidium pinnatifidum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Lepidium pinnatifidum can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.
Is the Lepidium pinnatifidum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lepidium pinnatifidum, 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 Lepidium pinnatifidum?
Lepidium pinnatifidum is susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms. 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 Lepidium pinnatifidum Need?
Lepidium pinnatifidum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Lepidium pinnatifidum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Lepidium pinnatifidum 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 Lepidium genus — compare its care with other Lepidium species on PlantoScan.
Lepidium is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Lepidium pinnatifidum 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: Lepidium pinnatifidum Ledeb., family Brassicaceae (first published in Fl. Ross. 1: 206 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lepidium pinnatifidum, 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.
