Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Wasabi Plant Plant Care
Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsum.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and originates from Japan. Plant collectors are drawn to Wasabia japonica for its unique culinary uses, as the roots are used to make the famous spicy condiment wasabi.
Every 3–7 days
Partial shade to full shade
45–65°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Wasabi Plant?
Water Wasabi Plant every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 45–65°F (7–18°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Wasabi Plant Native To?
What Is the Wasabi Plant?
Wasabi Plant (Wasabia japonica) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Wasabia genus. Wasabi Plant is native to Japan, the Russian Far East including Sakhalin, and the Korean Peninsula. Wasabi Plant is also known as Wasabi, Japanese horseradish.
Wasabi Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Wasabi Plant produces small white flowers on tall stalks.
How Often Should You Water a Wasabi Plant?
Wasabia japonica requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wasabi Plant Need?
Wasabi Plant thrives in partial shade to full shade. Avoid placing Wasabi Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wasabi Plant Prefer?
Wasabia japonica grows best at temperatures of 45–65°F. Wasabi Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
45–65°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wasabi Plant?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Wasabi Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wasabi Plant?
Feed Wasabi Plant 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 Wasabi Plant?
Repot every 1-2 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 Wasabi Plant?
Wasabi Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.
Is the Wasabi Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wasabi Plant, 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 Wasabi Plant?
Wasabi Plant is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. 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 Wasabi Plant Need?
Wasabi Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Wasabi Plant is native to Japan, the Russian Far East including Sakhalin, and the Korean Peninsula.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Wasabi Plant 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 Wasabia genus — compare its care with other Wasabia species on PlantoScan.
Wasabia is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Wasabi Plant copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsum., family Brassicaceae (first published in Index Pl. Jap. 2(2): 161 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wasabi Plant, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 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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