False Mermaid-weed Plant Care
Floerkea proserpinacoides Willd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Floerkea is a monotypic genus of plants in the meadowfoam family containing the sole species Floerkea proserpinacoides, which is known by the common names false mermaid, false mermaidweed, and floerkea. This tiny wildflower is native to many parts of North America, where it is found in moist areas, such as shady forests.
Every 3–5 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for False Mermaid-weed?
Water False Mermaid-weed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the False Mermaid-weed Native To?
What Is the False Mermaid-weed?
False Mermaid-weed (Floerkea proserpinacoides) belongs to the Limnanthaceae family within the Floerkea genus. False Mermaid-weed is native to many parts of North America. False Mermaid-weed is also known as Woodland Floerkea.
False Mermaid-weed displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. False Mermaid-weed produces small, white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a False Mermaid-weed?
Floerkea proserpinacoides requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the False Mermaid-weed Need?
False Mermaid-weed thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing False Mermaid-weed in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the False Mermaid-weed Prefer?
Floerkea proserpinacoides grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. False Mermaid-weed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a False Mermaid-weed?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for False Mermaid-weed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a False Mermaid-weed?
Feed False Mermaid-weed 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 False Mermaid-weed?
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 False Mermaid-weed?
False Mermaid-weed can be propagated through seeds.
Is the False Mermaid-weed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list False Mermaid-weed, 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 False Mermaid-weed?
False Mermaid-weed is susceptible to aphids, 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 False Mermaid-weed Need?
False Mermaid-weed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. False Mermaid-weed is native to many parts of North America. In cooler regions, grow False Mermaid-weed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
False Mermaid-weed 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 Floerkea genus — compare its care with other Floerkea species on PlantoScan.
Floerkea is part of the Limnanthaceae plant family — browse all Limnanthaceae genera and species.
False Mermaid-weed 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: Floerkea proserpinacoides Willd., family Limnanthaceae (first published in Neue Schriften Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin 3: 449 (1801)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list False Mermaid-weed, 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 12a, 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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