California False Mallow Plant Care
Bolandra californica A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bolandra californica is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family, known by the common names Sierra bolandra and Sierra false coolwort. It is one of two species in the small genus Bolandra.
Partial to full shade
At a glance
How do you care for California False Mallow?
California False Mallow grows best in partial to full shade.
Where Is the California False Mallow Native To?
What Is the California False Mallow?
California False Mallow (Bolandra californica) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Bolandra genus. California False Mallow is native to the High Sierra Nevada of California.
California False Mallow displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . California False Mallow produces small, delicate white flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the California False Mallow Need?
California False Mallow thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing California False Mallow in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a California False Mallow?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for California False Mallow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a California False Mallow?
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 California False Mallow?
California False Mallow can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to oregon bolandra plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the California False Mallow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list California False Mallow, 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 California False Mallow?
California False Mallow is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. 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.
Keep exploring plants
California False Mallow 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 Bolandra genus — compare its care with other Bolandra species on PlantoScan.
Bolandra is part of the Saxifragaceae plant family — browse all Saxifragaceae genera and species.
California False Mallow 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: Bolandra californica A.Gray, family Saxifragaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 7: 341 (1868)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list California False Mallow, 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.
- 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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