Bracted Colicroot Plant Care
Aletris bracteata Northr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aletris bracteata, the bracted colicroot, is a plant species native to southern Florida and to the Bahamas. It grows in the Everglades and other wet areas very close to sea level.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Bracted Colicroot?
Water Bracted Colicroot every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bracted Colicroot Native To?
What Is the Bracted Colicroot?
Bracted Colicroot (Aletris bracteata) belongs to the Nartheciaceae family within the Aletris genus. Bracted Colicroot is native to southern Florida and to the Bahamas.
Bracted Colicroot displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bracted Colicroot produces spiked racemes of small, white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bracted Colicroot?
Aletris bracteata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bracted Colicroot Need?
Bracted Colicroot thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Bracted Colicroot in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bracted Colicroot Prefer?
Aletris bracteata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Bracted Colicroot prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bracted Colicroot?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Bracted Colicroot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bracted Colicroot?
Feed Bracted Colicroot every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bracted Colicroot?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bracted Colicroot?
Bracted Colicroot can be propagated through division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden colicroot plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bracted Colicroot Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bracted Colicroot, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bracted Colicroot?
Bracted Colicroot is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bracted Colicroot Need?
Bracted Colicroot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bracted Colicroot is native to southern Florida and to the Bahamas. In cooler regions, grow Bracted Colicroot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Bracted Colicroot is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aletris genus — compare its care with other Aletris species on PlantoScan.
Aletris is part of the Nartheciaceae plant family — browse all Nartheciaceae genera and species.
Bracted Colicroot copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aletris bracteata Northr., family Nartheciaceae (first published in Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 12: 27 (1902)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bracted Colicroot, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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