Jaumea carnosa — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Jaumea carnosa

Jaumea Carnosa

Updated · 22 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Jaumea carnosa, known by the common names marsh jaumea, fleshy jaumea, or simply jaumea, is a halophytic salt marsh plant native to the wetlands, coastal sea cliffs and salt marshes of the western coast of North America.

A note from PlantMom

Marsh jaumea has strong resistance to disease and is typically not vulnerable to illnesses. Still, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally mild. Regarding upkeep, this plant needs a moderate amount of care. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and promote healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage bloom. Marsh jaumea is appropriate for anyone with outdoor areas like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may, however, require additional attention if cultivated indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Jaumea Carnosa.

Light

Marsh jaumea does best in locations that receive a full day's worth of sun, which significantly supports its healthy growth. It can, however, tolerate less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Its native habitat demonstrates its need for abundant sunlight. Too much or too little exposure can negatively affect the plant's development.

Water

Marsh Jaumea thrives in wetland habitats where there is consistent moisture and humidity. To keep it healthy, water it weekly to mimic its natural environment. This herbaceous perennial benefits from rainwater, which helps maintain the moist soil conditions essential for its growth.

Temperature

Marsh jaumea is native to habitats where temperatures typically range from 50 to 95°F (10 to 35°C). It strongly favors this moderate range. For seasonal adjustments it can tolerate cooler winter temperatures, but sudden or extreme changes should be avoided.

Fertilizer

One application of fertilizer in spring is typically enough for Marsh jaumea, though multiple feedings can maximize growth. Apply fertilizer every four to six weeks. Fertilization improves leaf appearance and function, maintaining even color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake for long-term plant health.

Pruning

Marsh jaumea, with its fleshy leaves and yellow flowers, thrives in coastal regions. To maintain its shape and promote air circulation, prune the plant from early to late spring. Removing dead stalks and thinning out the plant will enhance its vigor and flowering while helping to prevent disease.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Jaumea
Family
Asteraceae
Hardiness Zone
6-10
Mature Height
15 cm to 25 cm
Mature Spread
0.91 m to 4.88 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Olive Drab
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.27 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Mexico
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Marsh jaumea en Fleshy jaumea
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Marsh jaumea plant?

To properly water the Marsh jaumea, use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water can have harmful particles, so filtered water is preferred. Since the Marsh jaumea is from a warm environment, avoid using cold water as it can be a shock. Overhead watering should also be avoided to prevent foliage issues. Instead, thoroughly soak the soil with your filtered room temperature water. This helps moisten the roots, allowing them to spread and gather the necessary nutrients.

What kind of sunlight does Marsh jaumea require?

Marsh jaumea requires at least six hours of full sunlight every day to maintain healthy leaves, roots, and blooms. While many perennials also require six hours of sunlight daily, certain plants like the Orange Daylily or Giant Coreopsis can survive with just three hours of sunlight. However, these plants will not flourish as much as they would in sunnier conditions.

What is the best temperature for Marsh jaumea?

The ideal temperature for Marsh Jaumea depends on the season. There are two seasons to consider: the growing season and the dormancy season. During the growing season, when Marsh Jaumea starts sprouting, the best temperature range is 65~80℉(18~27℃). If the temperature drops below 15℉(-10℃), the plant may suffer and its leaves could turn brown and wilt. However, if it's a short cold snap, Marsh Jaumea could survive with some assistance. In the warmer months, Marsh Jaumea should also be protected from excessively high temperatures. The upper limit for this plant is 95-105℉(35-40℃). Anything above that can damage the foliage and blooms, causing wilting, drooping, and sunburn on the leaves. Recovering from such damage can be challenging for Marsh Jaumea. Fortunately, there are several quick and easy ways to address this problem.

What should I do if I give my Marsh jaumea too much or too little water?

Overwatering is a more common issue and can cause wilting, yellowing, and diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew in Marsh jaumea plants. Underwatering is less common but can result in brittle, brown leaves. It's important to notice signs of overwatering early and reduce watering immediately. Check the soil quality and replace if it drains poorly. If signs of underwatering appear, increase watering until the signs go away.

Can the sun harm Marsh jaumea? How can we shield Marsh jaumea from the sun and heat?

In warm climates, some Perennial Flowering Plants may struggle with excessive heat and suffer from sun damage. They can wilt, dry out, or even experience growth problems if they are consistently exposed to the intense afternoon sun. However, not all plants require protection from the light afternoon sun. For those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure, it is recommended to provide them with some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners can achieve this by planting these plants in areas that do not receive direct heat during the afternoon, such as under trees or behind bushes.

First year or young Marsh jaumea plants need specific temperatures.

If you have a Marsh jaumea plant outside for the first time, you should pay extra attention to it during the coldest months. Frost can cause severe damage and prevent the plant from growing back in the spring. To protect the plant, you need to keep the temperature above 40℉(5℃) until it becomes established. This can be achieved by either bringing the plant indoors for a month or two or using mulch or fabric barriers to shield it from frost. During the first year or two, it is recommended to plant Marsh jaumea in a shady area. Smaller and weaker plants have a harder time regulating their own temperature in the heat. Therefore, it is best to limit their exposure to direct sunlight to no more than five hours a day, especially if the temperature goes above 80℉(27℃). To control the summer heat, use shadecloth and water or mist the plant frequently.

How frequently should I water my Marsh jaumea?

If your Marsh jaumea plant is in a pot, the most precise way to determine if it needs water is by checking the soil with your finger. If the top two to three inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water it. If you have your Marsh jaumea planted outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, if the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to give it some water. During spring and early fall, following this method usually means watering the plant once a week. However, in extremely hot weather, you might need to increase the frequency to twice or even more per week. Nevertheless, mature and well-established Marsh jaumea plants have an impressive ability to withstand drought.

Do I need to shield Marsh jaumea from the sun?

Certain perennial plants require ample sunlight to reach their maximum bloom. However, in warmer climates, some of these plants actually benefit from less sun. For instance, individuals residing in hotter regions might find it beneficial to shade their flowering perennials during the intense afternoon sun, especially during summer months. Although many perennial flowering plants prefer partial shade in the hottest climates, there are exceptions. Take the Giant Coreopsis, for example, as it is not bothered by excessive sun exposure. These plants can flourish even when placed in the full sun during scorching weather.

How can I keep Marsh jaumea safe from really hot or really cold temperatures?

If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) occur during the growing season, there are a few measures to protect Marsh jaumea from frost or cold damage. - If you’re growing Marsh jaumea in a container, simply bring the container inside in bright, indirect light until temperatures rise above the lower threshold again. - For ground-planted Marsh jaumea, use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, shielding it from frost and cold wind. For temperatures hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, take care to expose Marsh jaumea to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning. - Install shade cloth or fine plastic mesh to reduce direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. - Set up a misting system that releases cooling mist around the plant's base during the day to lower ground temperatures.

How much water does my Marsh jaumea plant need?

To properly water your Marsh jaumea, don't be afraid to give it a good amount of water. When the first two to three inches of soil are dry, it's time for a thorough watering. Make sure the soil gets completely soaked, and add enough water so that it drains out of the bottom of the pot. If you don't see any excess water draining, you may not have watered enough. However, be careful not to let water accumulate in the soil, as this can harm the plant. On the other hand, if water doesn't drain from the pot, it could mean the soil doesn't drain well, which is bad for the plant's health. If your Marsh jaumea is outdoors, about 1 inch of rain per week should be enough.

What happens if Marsh jaumea doesn't get enough sunlight?

If your Marsh jaumea isn't getting enough sunlight, it will show signs of not having its needs fully met. The plant will have fewer blooms compared to those that get full sun exposure. Some plants might have dry spots on their leaves, but they will still manage to bloom in less-than-ideal sunlight. However, the flowers will be smaller and less lush.

The best temperature conditions for Marsh jaumea during the dormant season.

Marsh jaumea requires a certain amount of cold during the winter to remain dormant until it is time to sprout. Sprouting too early, especially if the frost is still a risk, can be fatal, especially if the plant has already started growing. Ideally, winter temperatures should be below freezing (32℉ or 0℃), but up to 40℉ (5℃) is acceptable. In more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, unexpected warm weather can cause Marsh jaumea to sprout prematurely. In this situation, if there is still a risk of frost, you can protect the new sprout by covering it with clear plastic on stakes. This protective setup can be removed once the risk of frost has passed. While Marsh jaumea can sometimes resprout without assistance, using this method increases the likelihood of a successful second sprouting.

PLATES
Jaumea carnosa leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Jaumea carnosa flower
PLATE 02 · flower
Jaumea carnosa flower
PLATE 03 · flower