Umbilicus rupestris aka Pennywort
Taxonomy ID: 5030
Umbilicus rupestris, also known as navelwort, penny-pies, or wall pennywort, is a fleshy, perennial, and edible flowering plant in the stonecrop family Crassulaceae. Its leaves are umbilicate, resembling a navel, and the plant produces bell-shaped flowers in May, with greenish-pink spikes similar to Digitalis. It grows on shady walls or damp rock crevices and is a super rare houseplant that requires very little water to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window.
Common names
Pennywort, Navelwort, Wall Pennywort, KidneywortMore information about Pennywort
How difficult is it to take care of Pennywort
With its straightforward care requirements, Pennywort is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the region of origin of Pennywort
Pennywort’s native range is Europe, from Britain and France south and east to N. Africa and the Mediterraean.
What are the water needs for Pennywort
Pennywort does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the sunlight requirement for Pennywort
To ensure optimal growth, the Pennywort prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Is Pennywort toxic to humans/pets?
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
What seasonal care does Pennywort need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Pennywort plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
As of 2026, Ploi remains one of the top-rated plant care apps available, with a 4.99-star rating. Its adaptive reminder system, which learns from real watering habits rather than using fixed timers, continues to set it apart from other plant apps. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web, and includes care guides, AI identification, photo journals, and comprehensive activity tracking.
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