Navelleaf valerian Plant Care
Valeriana umbilicata (Sull.) Christenh. & Byng
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's large, deeply lobed leaves are its most distinctive visual feature, making it easily recognizable in any garden. Valeriana umbilicata originates from the highlands of Mexico, where it thrives in cool, moist conditions. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its unique foliage and delicate, fragrant flowers, making it a prized addition to any rare plant collection.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Navelleaf valerian?
Water Navelleaf valerian every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Navelleaf valerian Native To?
What Is the Navelleaf valerian?
Navelleaf valerian (Valeriana umbilicata) belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family within the Valeriana genus. Navelleaf valerian is native to the Eastern North America and some parts of Canada and has no known uses other than being edible. Navelleaf valerian is also known as Pacific valerian.
Navelleaf valerian displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Navelleaf valerian produces small fragrant white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Navelleaf valerian?
Valeriana umbilicata requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Navelleaf valerian Need?
Navelleaf valerian thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Navelleaf valerian Prefer?
Valeriana umbilicata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Navelleaf valerian prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Navelleaf valerian?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Navelleaf valerian to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Navelleaf valerian?
Feed Navelleaf valerian every 6 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 6 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 Navelleaf valerian?
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 Navelleaf valerian?
Navelleaf valerian can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to starry valerian plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Navelleaf valerian Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Navelleaf valerian, 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 Navelleaf valerian?
Navelleaf valerian is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. 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 Navelleaf valerian Need?
Navelleaf valerian grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Navelleaf valerian is native to the Eastern North America and some parts of Canada and has no known uses other than being edible.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Navelleaf valerian 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 Valeriana genus — compare its care with other Valeriana species on PlantoScan.
Valeriana is part of the Caprifoliaceae plant family — browse all Caprifoliaceae genera and species.
Navelleaf valerian thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Valeriana Species
Other Valeriana species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Valeriana umbilicata (Sull.) Christenh. & Byng, family Caprifoliaceae (first published in Global Fl. 4: 149. 2018 [9 Feb 2018] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Navelleaf valerian, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, 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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