Photo: Ian CowieCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bolbitis quoyana Plant Care
Bolbitis quoyana (Gaud.) Ching in C.Chr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its distinctive deeply lobed, dark green, leathery leaves, this plant originates from tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Bolbitis quoyana for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in shaded, moist environments, making it a sought-after addition to terrariums and aquariums.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bolbitis quoyana?
Water Bolbitis quoyana every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bolbitis quoyana Native To?
What Is the Bolbitis quoyana?
Bolbitis quoyana (Bolbitis quoyana) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Bolbitis genus. Bolbitis quoyana is native to Australia, Malesia, and some Pacific islands such as Samoa and Fiji.
Bolbitis quoyana displays a low rosette, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bolbitis quoyana produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bolbitis quoyana?
Bolbitis quoyana 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 Bolbitis quoyana Need?
Bolbitis quoyana thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Bolbitis quoyana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bolbitis quoyana Prefer?
Bolbitis quoyana grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Bolbitis quoyana prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bolbitis quoyana?
Loose, well-draining potting mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Bolbitis quoyana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bolbitis quoyana?
Feed Bolbitis quoyana 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 Bolbitis quoyana?
Repot every 1-2 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 Bolbitis quoyana?
Bolbitis quoyana can be propagated through division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to appendiculate bolbitis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bolbitis quoyana Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bolbitis quoyana, 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 Bolbitis quoyana?
Bolbitis quoyana is susceptible to spider mites, 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 Bolbitis quoyana Need?
Bolbitis quoyana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Bolbitis quoyana is native to Australia, Malesia, and some Pacific islands such as Samoa and Fiji. In cooler regions, grow Bolbitis quoyana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Bolbitis quoyana 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 Bolbitis genus — compare its care with other Bolbitis species on PlantoScan.
Bolbitis is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Bolbitis quoyana 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: Bolbitis quoyana (Gaud.) Ching in C.Chr., family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Index Filic., Suppl. Tert. 49. 1934) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bolbitis quoyana, 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.
- Photo: Ian Cowie, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, 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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