Snow Lotus Plant Care

Snow Lotus (Saussurea involucrata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Saussurea genus. Snow Lotus is native to cool temperate and arctic regions of East Asia, Europe, and North America, with the highest diversity in alpine habitats in the Himalayas and East Asia. Snow Lotus is also known as Tibetan Snow Lotus, Aplotaxis involucrata, Saussurea involucrata.

Snow Lotus displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Snow Lotus produces large, showy purple composite flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Saussurea involucrata 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.

Snow Lotus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Saussurea involucrata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Snow Lotus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Snow Lotus every 6 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.

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

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.

Snow Lotus can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine saw-wort plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Snow Lotus is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.

Snow Lotus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 6b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Snow Lotus is native to cool temperate and arctic regions of East Asia, Europe, and North America, with the highest diversity in alpine habitats in the Himalayas and East Asia.