Astydamia latifolia
Care, watering, light and tips for Astydamia latifolia on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Astydamia latifolia
Astydamia latifolia, commonly known as Sea Lettuce or Nymphendolde, is a robust, halophytic perennial plant endemic to the Canary Islands. It features large, fleshy, bright green leaves, deeply lobed, forming a basal rosette. It produces umbellate inflorescences of yellow flowers that emerge on long stalks, creating a vibrant contrast making it ideal for coastal gardens, rockeries, or as an ornamental plant in large pots.
Native range
Canary Islands
Care tips
This species thrives in full sun or light partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering. It prefers well-drained soils, even sandy or rocky ones, with good aeration and salt tolerance; a universal substrate mixed with coarse sand is suitable. It is drought-tolerant once established but appreciates moderate watering during active growth, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot, especially in heavy soils.
How to save a dying Astydamia latifolia
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish leaves, soft and drooping stems, general lack of vigor.
- First aid
- Move to semi-shade, reduce watering, ensure good drainage. Check for pests.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (especially in winter) and poor drainage, leading to root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot is not too advanced and you act quickly. Good drainage is key.