Water Figwort Plant Care
Scrophularia auriculata L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Scrophularia auriculata, the shoreline figwort or water figwort, is a perennial plant of the genus Scrophularia in the family Scrophulariaceae. It is found commonly in Western Europe and North Africa, on the margins of rivers, ponds and similar damp places.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Figwort?
Water Water Figwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Water Figwort?
Water Figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Scrophularia genus. Water Figwort is also known as Water Betony.
Water Figwort displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Water Figwort produces small tubular flowers in shades of red, purple, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Figwort?
Scrophularia auriculata 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 Water Figwort Need?
Water Figwort thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Figwort Prefer?
Scrophularia auriculata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Water Figwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Figwort?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Water Figwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Figwort?
Feed Water Figwort 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 Water Figwort?
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 Water Figwort?
Water Figwort can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scrophularia atrata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water Figwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Figwort, 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 Water Figwort?
Water Figwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Water Figwort Need?
Water Figwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Water Figwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Water Figwort 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 Scrophularia genus — compare its care with other Scrophularia species on PlantoScan.
Scrophularia is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.
Water Figwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Scrophularia Species
Other Scrophularia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Scrophularia auriculata L., family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 620 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Figwort, 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.
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