Photo: yelena_antipovaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Navelwort Plant Care
Umbilicus intermedius Boiss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its succulent, round leaves that resemble a belly button. Originating from Madeira and the Canary Islands, collectors are drawn to its quirky appearance and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, adding a playful touch to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Navelwort?
Water Navelwort every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Navelwort?
Navelwort (Umbilicus intermedius) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Umbilicus genus. Navelwort is native to the shrublands and deserts of Israel and Lebanon. Navelwort is also known as Pennywort.
Navelwort displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Navelwort produces small star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Navelwort?
Umbilicus intermedius requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
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 Temperature and Humidity Does the Navelwort Prefer?
Umbilicus intermedius grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Navelwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
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 Often Should You Fertilize a Navelwort?
Feed Navelwort every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Navelwort Need?
Navelwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Navelwort is native to the shrublands and deserts of Israel and Lebanon.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
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 intermedius Boiss., family Crassulaceae (first published in Fl. Orient. 2: 769 (1872)) — 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.
- Photo: yelena_antipova, 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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