Photo: Nathan AaronCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Smallflower buttercup Plant Care
Ranunculus micranthus Nutt.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ranunculus micranthus is a charming plant with delicate, fern-like leaves and vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. It is native to the Mediterranean region and thrives in rocky, well-drained soils, making it a popular choice for rock gardens or borders.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Smallflower buttercup?
Water Smallflower buttercup every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Smallflower buttercup Native To?
What Is the Smallflower buttercup?
Smallflower buttercup (Ranunculus micranthus) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Ranunculus genus. Smallflower buttercup is native to North America, with a distribution that covers much of the eastern United States.
Smallflower buttercup displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Smallflower buttercup produces brightly colored, multi-petaled blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smallflower buttercup?
Ranunculus micranthus requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Smallflower buttercup Need?
Smallflower buttercup thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smallflower buttercup Prefer?
Ranunculus micranthus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Smallflower buttercup prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smallflower buttercup?
Moist, well-draining soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Smallflower buttercup to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smallflower buttercup?
Feed Smallflower buttercup every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Smallflower 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 Smallflower buttercup?
Smallflower buttercup can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to persian buttercup plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smallflower 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 Smallflower buttercup?
Smallflower 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 Smallflower buttercup Need?
Smallflower buttercup grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Smallflower buttercup is native to North America, with a distribution that covers much of the eastern United States.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Smallflower 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.
Smallflower buttercup thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ranunculus micranthus Nutt., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Fl. N. Amer. 1: 18 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Smallflower 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.
- Photo: Nathan Aaron, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, 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.
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