Naked-stem plantain Plant Care

Naked-stem plantain (Plantago subnuda) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Plantago genus. Naked-stem plantain is native to western North America from the west coast of the United States to west-central Mexico. Naked-stem plantain is also known as Smooth plantain.

Naked-stem plantain displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Naked-stem plantain produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers on slender spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Naked-stem plantain every 3–7 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.

Naked-stem plantain thrives in full sun to part shade.

Plantago subnuda tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Naked-stem plantain prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Naked-stem plantain to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Naked-stem plantain 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Naked-stem plantain is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 10b.

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.

Naked-stem plantain 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.

Prune Naked-stem plantain 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.

Naked-stem plantain 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.

Naked-stem plantain can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african plantain plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Naked-stem plantain is susceptible to aphids, snails, slugs. 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.

Naked-stem plantain grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Naked-stem plantain is native to western North America from the west coast of the United States to west-central Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Naked-stem plantain as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.