Buttercup Plant Care
Ranunculus calandrinioides Oliv.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking bright yellow petals and delicate fern-like leaves, this plant from the Mediterranean region is a favorite among plant collectors. Its unique appearance and ability to thrive in rock gardens or containers make it a must-have for those seeking a standout addition to their collection.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Buttercup?
Water Buttercup every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Buttercup?
Buttercup (Ranunculus calandrinioides) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Ranunculus genus. Buttercup is native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa.
Buttercup displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Buttercup produces brightly colored, multi-petaled blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Buttercup?
Ranunculus calandrinioides requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Buttercup Need?
Buttercup thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Buttercup Prefer?
Ranunculus calandrinioides grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Buttercup prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Buttercup?
Moist, well-draining soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Buttercup to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Buttercup?
Feed Buttercup every 2 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 2 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 Buttercup?
Divide and 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 Buttercup?
Buttercup can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to western water buttercup plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Buttercup Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Buttercup?
Buttercup is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Buttercup Need?
Buttercup grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Buttercup is native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Buttercup 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 Ranunculus genus — compare its care with other Ranunculus species on PlantoScan.
Ranunculus is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Buttercup thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ranunculus Species
Other Ranunculus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ranunculus calandrinioides Oliv., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Hooker's Icon. Pl. 19: t. 1828 (1889)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Buttercup is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Buttercup Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species