Photo: Flavien SaboureauCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sonchus brassicifolius Plant Care
Sonchus brassicifolius S.C.Kim & Mejías
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its lobed, deeply toothed leaves that resemble those of a cabbage. Originally from the Canary Islands, Sonchus brassicifolius is highly sought after by collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in both sun and shade.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sonchus brassicifolius?
Water Sonchus brassicifolius every 4–7 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.
Where Is the Sonchus brassicifolius Native To?
What Is the Sonchus brassicifolius?
Sonchus brassicifolius (Sonchus brassicifolius) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Sonchus genus. Sonchus brassicifolius is native to the Juan Fernández Islands, which lie in the southeast Pacific, off the west coast of Chile.
Sonchus brassicifolius displays an upright, branching herbaceous plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sonchus brassicifolius produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sonchus brassicifolius?
Sonchus brassicifolius requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sonchus brassicifolius Need?
Sonchus brassicifolius thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sonchus brassicifolius Prefer?
Sonchus brassicifolius grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Sonchus brassicifolius prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sonchus brassicifolius?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sonchus brassicifolius to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sonchus brassicifolius?
Feed Sonchus brassicifolius 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 Sonchus brassicifolius?
Repot every 1-2 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 Sonchus brassicifolius?
Sonchus brassicifolius can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to species plantarum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sonchus brassicifolius Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sonchus brassicifolius, 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 Sonchus brassicifolius?
Sonchus brassicifolius is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, slugs. 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 Sonchus brassicifolius Need?
Sonchus brassicifolius grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Sonchus brassicifolius is native to the Juan Fernández Islands, which lie in the southeast Pacific, off the west coast of Chile. In cooler regions, grow Sonchus brassicifolius as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sonchus brassicifolius 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 Sonchus genus — compare its care with other Sonchus species on PlantoScan.
Sonchus is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Sonchus brassicifolius thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sonchus Species
Other Sonchus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sonchus brassicifolius S.C.Kim & Mejías, family Asteraceae (first published in Ann. Bot. Fenn. 49(3): 175 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sonchus brassicifolius, 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.
- Photo: Flavien Saboureau, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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
Sonchus brassicifolius 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