Photo: Bonnie SemmlingCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Smooth Borodinia Plant Care
Borodinia laevigata (Muhl. ex Willd.) P.J.Alexander & Windham
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is recognized by its glossy, dark green leaves that have a smooth, waxy texture. Originating from the rainforests of Southeast Asia, Borodinia laevigata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in humid environments. With its striking appearance and exotic origins, this plant is a must-have for those looking to add a touch of tropical beauty to their indoor jungle.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Smooth Borodinia?
Water Smooth Borodinia every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Smooth Borodinia Native To?
What Is the Smooth Borodinia?
Smooth Borodinia (Borodinia laevigata) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Borodinia genus. Smooth Borodinia is native to many areas of the eastern United States and Canada. Smooth Borodinia is also known as Glossy Borodinia, Shiny Borodinia.
Smooth Borodinia displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Smooth Borodinia produces small clusters of white or purple flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smooth Borodinia?
Borodinia laevigata 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 Smooth Borodinia Need?
Smooth Borodinia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smooth Borodinia Prefer?
Borodinia laevigata grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Smooth Borodinia prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smooth Borodinia?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Smooth Borodinia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smooth Borodinia?
Feed Smooth Borodinia every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Smooth Borodinia?
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 Smooth Borodinia?
Smooth Borodinia can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to borodinia dentata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smooth Borodinia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smooth Borodinia, 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 Smooth Borodinia?
Smooth Borodinia is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. 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 Smooth Borodinia Need?
Smooth Borodinia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Smooth Borodinia is native to many areas of the eastern United States and Canada.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Smooth Borodinia 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 Borodinia genus — compare its care with other Borodinia species on PlantoScan.
Borodinia is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Smooth Borodinia 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: Borodinia laevigata (Muhl. ex Willd.) P.J.Alexander & Windham, family Brassicaceae (first published in Syst. Bot. 38: 203 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smooth Borodinia, 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: Bonnie Semmling, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, 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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