Waterleaf Talinum fruticosum
Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Talinaceae family, native to Tropical Americas; naturalised in West Africa and Asia. It grows 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Waterleaf in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Waterleaf at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Talinaceae |
| Mature height | 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 13–29 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and soft stems (cooked) |
| Native to | Tropical Americas; naturalised in West Africa and Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Waterleaf toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
High in oxalates; cook and eat in moderation.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Waterleaf
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Waterleaf
- How far apart should I plant Waterleaf?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Waterleaf need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Waterleaf need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Waterleaf?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Waterleaf flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 13–29 weeks.
- Is Waterleaf poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. High in oxalates; cook and eat in moderation.
- What grows well with Waterleaf?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Waterleaf. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- A quick-growing soup green in southern Nigeria (edikang ikong). Self-seeds freely.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus
- Zucchini (courgette) Cucurbita pepo