Navelwort Plant Care
Umbilicus gaditanus Boiss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Wall pennywort, also called navelwort, or penny-pies, is a fleshy, perennial, edible flowering plant in the stonecrop family Crassulaceae in the genus Umbilicus so named for its umbilicate (navel-like) leaves.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Navelwort?
Navelwort grows best in bright indirect light.
What Is the Navelwort?
Navelwort (Umbilicus gaditanus) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Umbilicus genus. Navelwort is also known as Pennywort.
Navelwort displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Navelwort produces small star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.
What Light Does the Navelwort Need?
Navelwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Navelwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Navelwort?
Well-draining sandy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Navelwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Navelwort?
Repot every 2-3 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 Navelwort?
Navelwort can be propagated through leaf cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to navelwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Navelwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Navelwort, 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 Navelwort?
Navelwort is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Navelwort 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 Umbilicus genus — compare its care with other Umbilicus species on PlantoScan.
Umbilicus is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Navelwort 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: Umbilicus gaditanus Boiss., family Crassulaceae (first published in Diagn. Pl. Orient. 6: 58 (1846)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Navelwort, 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.
- 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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