Smooth basselinia Plant Care
Basselinia glabrata Becc.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its glossy, heart-shaped leaves that have prominent white veins, this plant originates from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Basselinia glabrata for its unique foliage pattern that adds a stunning pop of color and texture to any indoor plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Smooth basselinia?
Water Smooth basselinia every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Smooth basselinia Native To?
What Is the Smooth basselinia?
Smooth basselinia (Basselinia glabrata) belongs to the Arecaceae family within the Basselinia genus. Smooth basselinia is native to New Caledonia. Smooth basselinia is also known as Brazilian cloak fern.
Smooth basselinia displays a tall, single-trunk palm growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Smooth basselinia produces creamy white flowers in large clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smooth basselinia?
Basselinia glabrata requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Smooth basselinia Need?
Smooth basselinia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Smooth basselinia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smooth basselinia Prefer?
Basselinia glabrata grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Smooth basselinia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smooth basselinia?
Well-draining sandy soil with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Smooth basselinia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smooth basselinia?
Feed Smooth basselinia 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 Smooth basselinia?
Repot every 2-3 years in 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 Smooth basselinia?
Smooth basselinia can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to basselinia favieri plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smooth basselinia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smooth basselinia, 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 Smooth basselinia?
Smooth basselinia is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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 Smooth basselinia Need?
Smooth basselinia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Smooth basselinia is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Smooth basselinia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Smooth basselinia 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 Basselinia genus — compare its care with other Basselinia species on PlantoScan.
Basselinia is part of the Arecaceae plant family — browse all Arecaceae genera and species.
Smooth basselinia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Basselinia glabrata Becc., family Arecaceae (first published in Webbia 5: 145 (1921)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smooth basselinia, 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 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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