Photo: Antonio W. SalasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Nasturtium Plant Care
Tropaeolum majus L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique rounded leaves that resemble water lily pads and its vibrant orange, red, or yellow flowers. Originating from the Andes mountains in South America, Tropaeolum majus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its edible flowers and leaves, making it both visually appealing and functional in the garden.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Nasturtium?
Water Nasturtium 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 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Nasturtium Native To?
What Is the Nasturtium?
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family within the Tropaeolum genus. Nasturtium is native to South America. Nasturtium is also known as Garden nasturtium, Indian cress.
Nasturtium displays a trailing, climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Nasturtium produces brightly colored spurred flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
How Often Should You Water a Nasturtium?
Tropaeolum majus 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 Nasturtium Need?
Nasturtium thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Nasturtium Prefer?
Tropaeolum majus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Nasturtium prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Nasturtium?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Nasturtium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Nasturtium?
Feed Nasturtium every 2 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 2 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 Nasturtium?
Repot annually in 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 Nasturtium?
Nasturtium can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Nasturtium Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-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 Nasturtium?
Nasturtium is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars. 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 Nasturtium Need?
Nasturtium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Nasturtium is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Nasturtium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Nasturtium 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 Tropaeolum genus — compare its care with other Tropaeolum species on PlantoScan.
Tropaeolum is part of the Tropaeolaceae plant family — browse all Tropaeolaceae genera and species.
Nasturtium thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tropaeolum majus L., family Tropaeolaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : errata, last page (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Nasturtium as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Antonio W. Salas, 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.
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