Blyttia lyellii Plant Care

Blyttia lyellii (Hook.) Endl. ex Gottsche, Lindenb. & Nees

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Pallavicinia lyellii, the ribbonwort or veilwort, is a dioicous bryophyte plant in the liverwort family Pallaviciniaceae. Often seen in moist situations on rocks and soil, with a worldwide distribution.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Blyttia lyellii?

Water Blyttia lyellii every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

What Is the Blyttia lyellii?

Blyttia lyellii (Blyttia lyellii) belongs to the Pallaviciniaceae family within the Blyttia genus.

Blyttia lyellii displays a compact, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Blyttia lyellii produces small, star-shaped flowers in clusters of pink, white, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Blyttia lyellii?

Blyttia lyellii 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 Blyttia lyellii Need?

Blyttia lyellii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Blyttia lyellii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blyttia lyellii Prefer?

Blyttia lyellii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Blyttia lyellii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blyttia lyellii?

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Blyttia lyellii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Blyttia lyellii?

Feed Blyttia lyellii 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 Blyttia lyellii?

Repot every 1-2 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 Blyttia lyellii?

Blyttia lyellii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Blyttia lyellii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested

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 Blyttia lyellii?

Blyttia lyellii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Blyttia lyellii Need?

Blyttia lyellii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Blyttia lyellii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Blyttia lyellii 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 Blyttia genus — compare its care with other Blyttia species on PlantoScan.

Blyttia is part of the Pallaviciniaceae plant family — browse all Pallaviciniaceae genera and species.

Blyttia lyellii 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: Blyttia lyellii (Hook.) Endl. ex Gottsche, Lindenb. & Nees, family Pallaviciniaceae (first published in Syn. Hepat. 475 1846) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Blyttia lyellii is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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