Water
Prickly Sida prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency during cooler months or when the plant is dormant.
Also known as False Mallow · Indian Mallow · Prickly Fanpetals
Prickly Sida (Sida spinosa) is a weedy annual herb native to North America, known for its prickly fruits and medicinal uses.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 21-30°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Prickly Sida prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency during cooler months or when the plant is dormant.
Prune Prickly Sida in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or crossing branches. Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushier development.
This also helps maintain a tidy appearance and promotes flowering.
Propagate Prickly Sida from seeds sown in spring, either directly outdoors or in pots. Seedlings can also be obtained from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings in well-draining soil or water.
Repot Prickly Sida every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repotting is best done in spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Prickly Sida (Sida spinosa)
Where Prickly Sida (Sida spinosa) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Sida |
| Species | Sida spinosa |
Similar in genus Sida
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data