Butomopsis latifolia Plant Care

Butomopsis latifolia (Butomopsis latifolia) belongs to the Alismataceae family within the Butomopsis genus. Butomopsis latifolia is native to tropical Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and northern Australia.

Butomopsis latifolia displays a clumping aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Butomopsis latifolia produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Butomopsis latifolia every 2–4 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Butomopsis latifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Butomopsis latifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Butomopsis latifolia prefers humidity levels of 70–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Butomopsis latifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Butomopsis latifolia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Butomopsis latifolia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Butomopsis latifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Butomopsis latifolia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Butomopsis latifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Butomopsis latifolia can be propagated through division, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Butomopsis latifolia is susceptible to aphids, snails, 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.

Butomopsis latifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Butomopsis latifolia is native to tropical Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Butomopsis latifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.