Virginia Pennywort Plant Care
Obolaria virginica L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Obolaria is a genus of flowering plant in the gentian family Gentianaceae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Obolaria virginica, commonly known as Virginia pennywort.
Partial to full shade
At a glance
How do you care for Virginia Pennywort?
Virginia Pennywort grows best in partial to full shade.
What Is the Virginia Pennywort?
Virginia Pennywort (Obolaria virginica) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Obolaria genus. Virginia Pennywort is also known as Southern Pennywort.
Virginia Pennywort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Virginia Pennywort produces small, white, tubular flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the Virginia Pennywort Need?
Virginia Pennywort thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Virginia Pennywort 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 Virginia Pennywort?
Moist, well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Virginia Pennywort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Virginia Pennywort?
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 Virginia Pennywort?
Virginia Pennywort can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Virginia Pennywort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Virginia Pennywort, 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 Virginia Pennywort?
Virginia Pennywort 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.
Keep exploring plants
Virginia Pennywort 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 Obolaria genus — compare its care with other Obolaria species on PlantoScan.
Obolaria is part of the Gentianaceae plant family — browse all Gentianaceae genera and species.
Virginia Pennywort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Obolaria virginica L., family Gentianaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 632 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Virginia Pennywort, 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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