water cabbage Plant Care

water cabbage (Rosselia bracteata) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Rosselia genus. water cabbage is native to Papua New Guinea. water cabbage is also known as water lettucecommon name: West Indian spongeplantscientific name: Rosselia bracteatafamily:Piperaceaehabitat:Tropical and subtropical regions, in shallow waters or floating on water bodies..

water cabbage displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. water cabbage produces small clusters of fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted water cabbage every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

water cabbage thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rosselia bracteata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. water cabbage prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for water cabbage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed water cabbage every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

water cabbage is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

water cabbage can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune water cabbage 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 tree in one year.

water cabbage is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

water cabbage can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

water cabbage is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

water cabbage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. water cabbage is native to Papua New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow water cabbage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.