Tree Sow Thistle
sonchus acaulis
Also known as: ["Canary Tree Sow Thistle","Tree Sowthistle"]
Overview
A tall, tree-like perennial herb native to the Canary Islands, characterized by its thick, succulent stem and large, lobed leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Sonchus |
| Botanical Name: | Sonchus acaulis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, xeriscapes, or sunny, dry slopes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate full sun but benefits from some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in a spot with unobstructed light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near large windows with direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water less in winter; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; topdress with fresh mix annually.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in heat.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced NPK formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of basal offsets.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; maintain consistent humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems; remove yellow or dead leaves; shape as desired.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged growth to maintain shape and encourage new growth; minimal pruning needed.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove only damaged or unwanted growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring/summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall/winter when growth slows.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve aeration and drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf drop in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced evaporation.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; reduce watering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive water loss.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSonchus acaulis is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSonchus acaulis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSonchus acaulis is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sonchus acaulis toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How tall does Sonchus acaulis grow?
A: It can grow up to 3 meters tall, forming a tree-like structure.
Q: Does Sonchus acaulis require special care?
A: It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, and while it is tough, it benefits from moderate maintenance to thrive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
