Stillingia paucidentata Plant Care
Stillingia paucidentata S.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Stillingia paucidentata, the Mojave toothleaf, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. The Mojave toothleaf is endemic to southeastern California in the United States.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Stillingia paucidentata?
Plant Stillingia paucidentata in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Stillingia paucidentata Native To?
What Is the Stillingia paucidentata?
Stillingia paucidentata (Stillingia paucidentata) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Stillingia genus. Stillingia paucidentata is native to southeastern California in the United States.
Stillingia paucidentata displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Stillingia paucidentata produces small greenish flowers in dense spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Stillingia paucidentata?
Water a young or newly planted Stillingia paucidentata every 7–14 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Stillingia paucidentata Need?
Stillingia paucidentata thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stillingia paucidentata Prefer?
Stillingia paucidentata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Stillingia paucidentata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stillingia paucidentata?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Stillingia paucidentata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Stillingia paucidentata?
Feed Stillingia paucidentata 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Stillingia paucidentata?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Stillingia paucidentata 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Stillingia paucidentata?
Stillingia paucidentata can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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.
How Do You Prune a Stillingia paucidentata?
Prune Stillingia paucidentata 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.
How Do You Care for a Stillingia paucidentata in Winter?
Stillingia paucidentata 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.
How Do You Propagate a Stillingia paucidentata?
Stillingia paucidentata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pencil cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Stillingia paucidentata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets
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 Stillingia paucidentata?
Stillingia paucidentata is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Stillingia paucidentata Need?
Stillingia paucidentata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Stillingia paucidentata is native to southeastern California in the United States. In cooler regions, grow Stillingia paucidentata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Stillingia paucidentata 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 Stillingia genus — compare its care with other Stillingia species on PlantoScan.
Stillingia is part of the Euphorbiaceae plant family — browse all Euphorbiaceae genera and species.
Stillingia paucidentata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Stillingia Species
Other Stillingia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Stillingia paucidentata S.Watson, family Euphorbiaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 14: 298 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Stillingia paucidentata is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.
