Indian Weed Plant Care

Indian Weed (Sigesbeckia orientalis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Sigesbeckia genus. Indian Weed is also known as Compositae Weed, St. Paul's Wort, Minyranthes heterophylla.

Indian Weed displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Indian Weed produces small daisy-like yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Indian Weed every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Indian Weed thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sigesbeckia orientalis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Indian Weed prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Indian Weed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Indian Weed every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 loamy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Indian Weed is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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

Indian Weed can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Indian Weed 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 shrub in one year.

Indian Weed 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.

Indian Weed can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

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

Indian Weed 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.

Indian Weed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Indian Weed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.