Photo: Rocío Esmeralda PoseCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Fiveleaf Nasturtium Plant Care
Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tropaeolum pentaphyllum, also known as the Andean flame flower, is a unique plant with distinctively shaped leaves that resemble small umbrellas. Originating from the Andes mountains in South America, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its delicate foliage and vibrant red flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fiveleaf Nasturtium?
Water Fiveleaf Nasturtium every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Fiveleaf Nasturtium?
Fiveleaf Nasturtium (Tropaeolum pentaphyllum) belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family within the Tropaeolum genus. Fiveleaf Nasturtium is native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Fiveleaf Nasturtium displays a trailing, climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Fiveleaf Nasturtium produces brightly colored spurred flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fiveleaf Nasturtium?
Tropaeolum pentaphyllum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fiveleaf Nasturtium Need?
Fiveleaf Nasturtium thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fiveleaf Nasturtium Prefer?
Tropaeolum pentaphyllum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Fiveleaf Nasturtium prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fiveleaf Nasturtium?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Fiveleaf Nasturtium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fiveleaf Nasturtium?
Feed Fiveleaf 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 Fiveleaf 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 Fiveleaf Nasturtium?
Fiveleaf Nasturtium can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nasturtium plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fiveleaf Nasturtium Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fiveleaf Nasturtium, 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 Fiveleaf Nasturtium?
Fiveleaf 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 Fiveleaf Nasturtium Need?
Fiveleaf Nasturtium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Fiveleaf Nasturtium is native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Fiveleaf 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.
Fiveleaf Nasturtium thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tropaeolum Species
Other Tropaeolum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam., family Tropaeolaceae (first published in Encycl. 1: 612 (1785)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fiveleaf Nasturtium, 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: Rocío Esmeralda Pose, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, 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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