Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Taiwan Toad Lily Plant Care
Tricyrtis formosana Baker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking speckled leaves resembling leopard spots, this plant hails from the forests of Taiwan. Plant collectors are drawn to Tricyrtis formosana for its unique foliage that adds a touch of exotic flair to any garden or indoor space.
Every 4–7 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Taiwan Toad Lily?
Water Taiwan Toad Lily every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Taiwan Toad Lily Native To?
What Is the Taiwan Toad Lily?
Taiwan Toad Lily (Tricyrtis formosana) belongs to the Liliaceae family within the Tricyrtis genus. Taiwan Toad Lily is native to Taiwan and to Nansei-shoto. Taiwan Toad Lily is also known as Formosan Toad Lily.
Taiwan Toad Lily displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Taiwan Toad Lily produces unique orchid-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white with speckles.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Taiwan Toad Lily?
Tricyrtis formosana requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Taiwan Toad Lily Need?
Taiwan Toad Lily thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Taiwan Toad Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Taiwan Toad Lily Prefer?
Tricyrtis formosana grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Taiwan Toad Lily prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Taiwan Toad Lily?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Taiwan Toad Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Taiwan Toad Lily?
Feed Taiwan Toad Lily 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 Taiwan Toad Lily?
Repot every 2-3 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 Taiwan Toad Lily?
Taiwan Toad Lily can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to large-footed toad lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Taiwan Toad Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Taiwan Toad Lily, 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 Taiwan Toad Lily?
Taiwan Toad Lily is susceptible to slugs, snails, spider mites. 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 Taiwan Toad Lily Need?
Taiwan Toad Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Taiwan Toad Lily is native to Taiwan and to Nansei-shoto.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Taiwan Toad Lily 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 Tricyrtis genus — compare its care with other Tricyrtis species on PlantoScan.
Tricyrtis is part of the Liliaceae plant family — browse all Liliaceae genera and species.
Taiwan Toad Lily 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: Tricyrtis formosana Baker, family Liliaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 17: 465 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Taiwan Toad Lily, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, 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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