Plant Care Lamb's Tongue

Lamb's Tongue

Also known as

Ribwort Plantain, Ribwort Plantain, Narrowleaf plantain, English plantain, Ribleaf, Lamb's tongue and Buckhorn.

Taxonomy

Plantago lanceolata
Plantago
Plantaginaceae
Lamiales

How to care for Lamb's Tongue

💦 Water

How often to water your Lamb's Tongue

Water needs for Lamb's Tongue
0.5 cups
every 9

Lamb's Tongue 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 Lamb's Tongue

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Ribwort Plantain in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Lamb's Tongue: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Lamb's Tongue love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

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

Lamb's Tongue does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Lamb's Tongue in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Lamb's Tongue

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Lamb's Tongue: 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 Lamb's Tongue after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Lamb's Tongue 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

Lamb's Tongue 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

Lamb's Tongue 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

Lamb's Tongue should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Lamb's Tongue grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Lamb's Tongue can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.


🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Lamb's Tongue 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 Lamb's Tongue

Lamb's Tongue

Lamb's Tongue


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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