Round-leafed Xanthosia Plant Care
Xanthosia rotundifolia DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Xanthosia rotundifolia, commonly known as southern cross, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is an erect, perennial herb with serrated or toothed leaves and white to creamy-yellow flowers.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Plant Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia Native To?
What Is the Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Round-leafed Xanthosia (Xanthosia rotundifolia) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Xanthosia genus. Round-leafed Xanthosia is native to the south-west of Western Australia.
Round-leafed Xanthosia displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Round-leafed Xanthosia produces small clusters of tiny white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Water a young or newly planted Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia Need?
Round-leafed Xanthosia thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia Prefer?
Xanthosia rotundifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Round-leafed Xanthosia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Round-leafed Xanthosia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Feed Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia?
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.
Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Prune Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia in Winter?
Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Round-leafed Xanthosia can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to xanthosia atkinsoniana plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Round-leafed Xanthosia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Round-leafed Xanthosia, 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia?
Round-leafed Xanthosia 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 Round-leafed Xanthosia Need?
Round-leafed Xanthosia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Round-leafed Xanthosia is native to the south-west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Round-leafed Xanthosia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Round-leafed Xanthosia 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.
Round-leafed Xanthosia copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Xanthosia Species
Other Xanthosia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Xanthosia rotundifolia DC., family Apiaceae (first published in Prodr. 4: 75 (1830)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Round-leafed Xanthosia, 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.
