Cutleaf Medick Plant Care
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Medicago laciniata is a plant species of the genus Medicago. It is found primarily in the southern Mediterranean basin.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cutleaf Medick?
Water Cutleaf Medick 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Cutleaf Medick?
Cutleaf Medick (Medicago laciniata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Medicago genus.
Cutleaf Medick displays an upright, spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cutleaf Medick produces small clusters of yellow flowers in elongated spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cutleaf Medick?
Medicago laciniata 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 Cutleaf Medick Need?
Cutleaf Medick thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cutleaf Medick Prefer?
Medicago laciniata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Cutleaf Medick prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cutleaf Medick?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Cutleaf Medick to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cutleaf Medick?
Feed Cutleaf Medick every 4 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 4 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 Cutleaf Medick?
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 Cutleaf Medick?
Cutleaf Medick can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alfalfa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cutleaf Medick Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cutleaf Medick, 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 Cutleaf Medick?
Cutleaf Medick is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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 Cutleaf Medick Need?
Cutleaf Medick grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Cutleaf Medick as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cutleaf Medick 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 Medicago genus — compare its care with other Medicago species on PlantoScan.
Medicago is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Cutleaf Medick thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Medicago Species
Other Medicago species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill., family Fabaceae (first published in Gard. Dict. ed. 8 : n.º 5 (1768)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cutleaf Medick, 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 13a, 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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