Coastal Launaea Plant Care

Coastal Launaea (Launaea sarmentosa) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Launaea genus. Coastal Launaea is native to coastal areas in Africa, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Mauritius, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Southeast Asia. Coastal Launaea is also known as Creeping Lettuce, Ammoseris bellidifolia, Ammoseris sarmentosus.

Coastal Launaea displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Coastal Launaea produces small yellow composite flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coastal Launaea every 7–10 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.

Coastal Launaea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Launaea sarmentosa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Coastal Launaea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Coastal Launaea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Coastal Launaea 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 partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coastal Launaea is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

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.

Coastal Launaea 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 Coastal Launaea 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.

Coastal Launaea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Coastal Launaea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to shrubby canary island sowthistle plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Coastal Launaea is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Coastal Launaea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Coastal Launaea is native to coastal areas in Africa, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Mauritius, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Coastal Launaea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.