Dorstenia foetida care guide
Dorstenia foetida
Also known as: Dorstenia
Pets and children
Caution advised
The latex from cut stems irritates skin and mouth and can blister skin exposed to sunlight; keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Dorstenia foetida
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- A summer grower that stays in leaf while warm: water once the surface dries, as a guide, and check small pots often in midsummer since they dry fast.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- As it cools, water two or three days after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 20 days
- While it keeps leaves in a warm room, a little water one to two weeks after the soil dries, as a guide; once the leaves drop, keep it nearly dry.
Light and placement for Dorstenia foetida
Generally bright light through a sheer curtain or bright shade outdoors, with moving air; strong direct sun scorches and curls the leaves, while deep shade stretches the stems.
Overwintering Dorstenia foetida
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Tender: as a guide, bring it indoors when nights fall below about 15°C, to a bright window that stays above 10°C; it survives near 5°C by dropping leaves, but cold plus wet soil rots it.
Fertilizing and repotting Dorstenia foetida
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid feed about once a month from May to September while warm and in leaf; this small plant needs little, and none while leafless or in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Dorstenia foetida
- At a cold window in winter it drops its leaves and rots in damp soil.
- Direct sun scorches and curls the leaves.
- Seeds shot into neighboring pots sprout unnoticed and get pulled as weeds.
Tips for growing Dorstenia foetida
- The shield-shaped green flower shoots ripe seed nearly a meter; to raise more, set a small pot near it to catch them.
- In a warm room it keeps its leaves through winter, so keep giving a little water when dry.
- Wash off any latex with water.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
