Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum Plant Care

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum (Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Xanthium genus.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum produces small greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sweet cocklebur plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.