Photo: Kevin Thiele from Perth, AustraliaCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Water Sowthistle Plant Care
Sonchus hydrophilus Boulos
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's deeply lobed, bright green leaves resemble those of a dandelion, giving it a unique and recognizable appearance. Originating from moist habitats in South America, its ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it a sought-after addition for plant collectors looking to diversify their collection with water-loving species.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Sowthistle?
Water Water Sowthistle 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 Water Sowthistle Native To?
What Is the Water Sowthistle?
Water Sowthistle (Sonchus hydrophilus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Sonchus genus. Water Sowthistle is native to Australia and New Guinea. Water Sowthistle is also known as Sonchus asper.
Water Sowthistle displays an upright, branching herbaceous plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Water Sowthistle produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Sowthistle?
Sonchus hydrophilus 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 Water Sowthistle Need?
Water Sowthistle thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Sowthistle Prefer?
Sonchus hydrophilus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Water Sowthistle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Sowthistle?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Water Sowthistle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Sowthistle?
Feed Water Sowthistle 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 Sowthistle?
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 Water Sowthistle?
Water Sowthistle 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 Water Sowthistle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Sowthistle, 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 Sowthistle?
Water Sowthistle 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 Water Sowthistle Need?
Water Sowthistle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Water Sowthistle is native to Australia and New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Water Sowthistle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Water Sowthistle 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.
Water Sowthistle 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 hydrophilus Boulos, family Asteraceae (first published in in Hj. Eichler, Suppl. J. M. Black, Fl. S. Austral., ed. 2 331. 1965) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Sowthistle, 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: Kevin Thiele from Perth, Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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.
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