Caterpillar Plant Plant Care
Scorpiurus minima Losinsk.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's small, needle-like leaves are its most distinctive feature, giving it a unique texture. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Scorpiurus minima is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual appearance and ability to add a touch of exotic flair to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Caterpillar Plant?
Water Caterpillar Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Caterpillar Plant?
Caterpillar Plant (Scorpiurus minima) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Scorpiurus genus. Caterpillar Plant is native to Europe, Asia.
Caterpillar Plant displays a low-growing spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Caterpillar Plant produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Caterpillar Plant?
Scorpiurus minima requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Caterpillar Plant Need?
Caterpillar Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Caterpillar Plant Prefer?
Scorpiurus minima grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Caterpillar Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Caterpillar Plant?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Caterpillar Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Caterpillar Plant?
Feed Caterpillar Plant 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 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 Caterpillar 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.
How Do You Propagate a Caterpillar Plant?
Caterpillar Plant can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to caterpillar plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Caterpillar Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Caterpillar Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Caterpillar Plant?
Caterpillar Plant is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Caterpillar Plant Need?
Caterpillar Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Caterpillar Plant is native to Europe, Asia. In cooler regions, grow Caterpillar Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Caterpillar Plant 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 Scorpiurus genus — compare its care with other Scorpiurus species on PlantoScan.
Scorpiurus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Caterpillar Plant 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: Scorpiurus minima Losinsk., family Fabaceae (first published in Fl. URSS 13: 552 (1948)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Caterpillar Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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
Caterpillar Plant 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