Xanthosia kochii Plant Care
Xanthosia kochii (E.Pritz.) J.M.Hart & Henwood
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Xanthosia kochii is a species of erect, perennial shrub in the family Apiaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It has trifoliate leaves with wedge-shaped leaflets, white flowers in a compound umbel with 6 to 15 flowers per ray and up to 6 flowers between the rays.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Xanthosia kochii?
Plant Xanthosia kochii in partial shade to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 3–5 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Xanthosia kochii Native To?
What Is the Xanthosia kochii?
Xanthosia kochii (Xanthosia kochii) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Xanthosia genus. Xanthosia kochii is native to the south-west of Western Australia.
Xanthosia kochii displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Xanthosia kochii produces small clusters of tiny white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Xanthosia kochii?
Water a young or newly planted Xanthosia kochii every 3–5 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Xanthosia kochii Need?
Xanthosia kochii thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Xanthosia kochii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Xanthosia kochii Prefer?
Xanthosia kochii tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Xanthosia kochii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Xanthosia kochii?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Xanthosia kochii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Xanthosia kochii?
Feed Xanthosia kochii 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Xanthosia kochii?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Xanthosia kochii 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Xanthosia kochii?
Xanthosia kochii can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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.
How Do You Prune a Xanthosia kochii?
Prune Xanthosia kochii 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.
How Do You Care for a Xanthosia kochii in Winter?
Xanthosia kochii 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.
How Do You Propagate a Xanthosia kochii?
Xanthosia kochii can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps.
Is the Xanthosia kochii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Xanthosia kochii, 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 Xanthosia kochii?
Xanthosia kochii 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Xanthosia kochii Need?
Xanthosia kochii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Xanthosia kochii is native to the south-west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Xanthosia kochii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Xanthosia kochii 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 Xanthosia genus — compare its care with other Xanthosia species on PlantoScan.
Xanthosia is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Xanthosia kochii 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: Xanthosia kochii (E.Pritz.) J.M.Hart & Henwood, family Apiaceae (first published in Telopea 15: 216 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Xanthosia kochii, 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 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
