Plant Care Buttonwood

Buttonwood

Also known as

American Sycamore, American Sycamore, American planetree, Western plane, Occidental plane and Water beech

Taxonomy

Platanus occidentalis
Platanus
Platanaceae
Proteales

How to care for Buttonwood

💦 Water

How often to water your Buttonwood

Water needs for Buttonwood
0.5 cups
every 9

Buttonwood needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Buttonwood

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for American Sycamore in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Buttonwood: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Buttonwood love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Buttonwood does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Buttonwood in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Buttonwood

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Buttonwood: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Buttonwood after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Buttonwood can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!


💦 Water Needs

Buttonwood prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Buttonwood requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


🪴 Soil

Buttonwood does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!


💩 Fertilizer

Buttonwood is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Buttonwood grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Buttonwood can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.


🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Buttonwood can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Buttonwood

Buttonwood

Buttonwood


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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