Lantana care guide
Lantana camara
How to keep Lantana healthy at home: how much to water it, the light it needs, and how to catch common problems early.
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- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Typical interval
- Every 3 to 5 days · summer
When the top 3 cm (1.2 in) are dry · winter - Climate
- 18–29 °C (64–84 °F)
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
When and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 3 to 5 days
- Winter · Dec–FebWhen the top 3 cm (1.2 in) are dry
Water your Lantana when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 3 to 5 days. In winter, water only when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) are dry: in a bright, cool room at about 10 °C (50 °F) that means keeping it almost dry, and in a warm room by a sunny window it needs water more often. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Lantana needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your Lantana every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–29 °C (64–84 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–29 °C (64–84 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Overwintering lantana
Bring lantana in before the first frost and keep it bright and frost free at about 10 °C (50 °F). In a cool room keep the soil almost dry and skip feeding.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a Lantana?
Water your Lantana (Lantana camara) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 3 to 5 days. In winter, water only when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) are dry: in a bright, cool room at about 10 °C (50 °F) that means keeping it almost dry, and in a warm room by a sunny window it needs water more often.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name and taxonomic record
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension: Wisconsin HorticultureOverview of Lantana · landscape uses · cultivation and overwintering
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · cultural conditions · landscape/container uses · problems
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · growing conditions · container context
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity · toxic principles · clinical signs
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