Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris)

Navelwort

Umbilicus rupestris

Its navel-shaped leaves bring whimsical texture to shaded spaces. Low-growing succulent rosette; common name: wall pennywort.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers partial to full shade; tolerates dappled sunlight, avoid intense midday direct sun that can scorch succulent leaves
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Watering Allow the top 1 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in this drought-tolerant succulent
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Temperature Hardy to mild winter frosts down to 5°C; thrives in cool to temperate temperatures, avoid prolonged heat above 28°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round, fleshy succulent leaves with a distinct central navel-like depression, arranged in tight basal rosettes
  • Flower: Tiny, star-shaped greenish-white blooms clustered in upright, slender racemes
  • Stem: Delicate, upright flowering stems that emerge from the center of mature rosettes
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged; water when top layer dries

Fertilization

Diluted balanced fertilizer once every 6 weeks. Use a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid leaf burn

Eggshell powder top dressing:Grind clean, dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface every 3 months to support sturdy leaf growth
Pruning
  • Remove spent flowering stems at the base after blooms fade to preserve rosette energy
  • Thin overcrowded rosettes to improve airflow and prevent fungal growth
  • Trim yellowing or damaged leaves at their base to maintain a tidy appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxic reactions

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental shaded-plant display; traditional herbal use for minor skin irritations