Bolbitis riparia Plant Care
Bolbitis riparia R.C.Moran & B.Øllg.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Mickelia nicotianifolia is a species of fern in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Elaphoglossoideae. It has a widespread distribution in Central America and northern South America.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bolbitis riparia?
Water Bolbitis riparia 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.
What Is the Bolbitis riparia?
Bolbitis riparia (Bolbitis riparia) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Bolbitis genus.
Bolbitis riparia displays a low rosette, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bolbitis riparia produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bolbitis riparia?
Bolbitis riparia 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 riparia Need?
Bolbitis riparia thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Bolbitis riparia 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 riparia Prefer?
Bolbitis riparia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Bolbitis riparia 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 riparia?
Loose, well-draining potting mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Bolbitis riparia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bolbitis riparia?
Feed Bolbitis riparia 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 riparia?
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 riparia?
Bolbitis riparia 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 riparia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bolbitis riparia, 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 riparia?
Bolbitis riparia 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 riparia Need?
Bolbitis riparia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Bolbitis riparia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Bolbitis riparia 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 riparia 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 riparia R.C.Moran & B.Øllg., family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Nordic J. Bot. 15: 178, fig. 1995) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bolbitis riparia, 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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