Lindernia crustacea Plant Care
Craterostigma lindernioides E.A.Bruce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique curled leaves that resemble tiny seashells, this plant originates from tropical regions of Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to Craterostigma lindernioides for its exotic appearance and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Lindernia crustacea?
Water Lindernia crustacea every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Lindernia crustacea?
Lindernia crustacea (Craterostigma lindernioides) belongs to the Linderniaceae family within the Craterostigma genus. Lindernia crustacea is native to Africa. Lindernia crustacea is also known as Craterostigma lindernioides var. lindernioides, Craterostigma lindernioides var. ludwigii.
Lindernia crustacea displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lindernia crustacea produces small tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lindernia crustacea?
Craterostigma lindernioides 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 Lindernia crustacea Need?
Lindernia crustacea thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Lindernia crustacea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lindernia crustacea Prefer?
Craterostigma lindernioides grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Lindernia crustacea prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lindernia crustacea?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Lindernia crustacea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lindernia crustacea?
Feed Lindernia crustacea every 2 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 2 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 Lindernia crustacea?
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 Lindernia crustacea?
Lindernia crustacea can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to plantain craterostigma plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lindernia crustacea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lindernia crustacea, 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 Lindernia crustacea?
Lindernia crustacea is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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
Lindernia crustacea 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 Craterostigma genus — compare its care with other Craterostigma species on PlantoScan.
Craterostigma is part of the Linderniaceae plant family — browse all Linderniaceae genera and species.
Lindernia crustacea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Craterostigma lindernioides E.A.Bruce, family Linderniaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1933: 474 (1933)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lindernia crustacea, 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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