Meadow Parsley
hydrocotyle umbellata
Also known as: ["Marsh Pennywort","Lacy Parsley"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with rounded, dissected leaves and small, white flowers arranged in umbels.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Hydrocotyle |
| Botanical Name: | Hydrocotyle umbellata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: Wetland edges, shallow water gardens, or containers with consistently moist soil
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–10"}
- Misting: Not typically required, but occasional misting can benefit in dry environments
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil; can tolerate wet conditions but prefers good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light); prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; provide shade during intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyModerate
Sunlight
Partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer; use sheer curtains for filtered light.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, watering every 2–3 days or as needed to maintain saturation
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
Rich, moist loam or clay soil with high organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of peat and perlite; avoid heavy clay; keep soil consistently moist.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F / 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth.
Fertilizing
Every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stems/rhizomes.
- Cut below nodes.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Moist potting mix or water for stem cuttings; well-draining soil for rhizome division.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks; rhizome division establishes in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, moist soil.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems to encourage branching; remove yellow or dead leaves.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent overcrowding.
Tools
Sharp pruning shears or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the container; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Select new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add organic matter like compost; use perlite or sand for drainage; ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage.
Solution: Protect from frost with a cover; move indoors in cold climates; ensure adequate warmth and humidity.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest Hydrocotyle umbellata. The saponins in the plant can cause irritation to the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is unlikely.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Hydrocotyle umbellata by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in quantity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHydrocotyle umbellata contains small amounts of saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. The plant is generally considered safe for external use but may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hydrocotyle umbellata toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does this plant grow?
A: It thrives in moist to wet soils and can grow in shallow water.
Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | Partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | Keep soil consistently moist, |
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