Buttercup Sphenoclea Plant Care

Buttercup Sphenoclea (Sphenoclea zeylanica) belongs to the Sphenocleaceae family within the Sphenoclea genus. Buttercup Sphenoclea is native to Africa, Madagascar, tropical and subtropical Asia, and Australia. Buttercup Sphenoclea is also known as Goosefoot.

Buttercup Sphenoclea displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Buttercup Sphenoclea produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Buttercup Sphenoclea every 3–5 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.

Buttercup Sphenoclea thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Buttercup Sphenoclea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Sphenoclea zeylanica tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Buttercup Sphenoclea prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Buttercup Sphenoclea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Buttercup Sphenoclea 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 partial to full shade and moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Buttercup Sphenoclea 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.

Buttercup Sphenoclea can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Buttercup Sphenoclea 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.

Buttercup Sphenoclea 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.

Buttercup Sphenoclea can be propagated through seeds.

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Buttercup Sphenoclea is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Buttercup Sphenoclea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Buttercup Sphenoclea is native to Africa, Madagascar, tropical and subtropical Asia, and Australia. In cooler regions, grow Buttercup Sphenoclea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.