Hookeria parkeriana Plant Care

Hookeriopsis parkeriana (Hook. & Grev.) A.Jaeger

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This tropical plant boasts striking red and green leaves with a glossy finish, making it a standout addition to any collection. Hailing from the rainforests of South America, Hookeriopsis parkeriana is sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in high humidity environments.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Hookeria parkeriana?

Plant Hookeria parkeriana in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

What Is the Hookeria parkeriana?

Hookeria parkeriana (Hookeriopsis parkeriana) belongs to the Pilotrichaceae family within the Hookeriopsis genus. Hookeria parkeriana is native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia.

Hookeria parkeriana displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hookeria parkeriana produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Hookeria parkeriana?

Water a young or newly planted Hookeria parkeriana every 7–10 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Hookeria parkeriana Need?

Hookeria parkeriana thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hookeria parkeriana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hookeria parkeriana Prefer?

Hookeriopsis parkeriana tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Hookeria parkeriana prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hookeria parkeriana?

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Hookeria parkeriana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Hookeria parkeriana?

Feed Hookeria parkeriana every 8 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.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Hookeria parkeriana?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hookeria parkeriana is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Hookeria parkeriana?

Hookeria parkeriana can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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.

How Do You Prune a Hookeria parkeriana?

Prune Hookeria parkeriana 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.

How Do You Care for a Hookeria parkeriana in Winter?

Hookeria parkeriana is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Hookeria parkeriana?

Hookeria parkeriana can be propagated through spores, division of clumps.

Is the Hookeria parkeriana Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Hookeria parkeriana, 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 Hookeria parkeriana?

Hookeria parkeriana is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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 Hookeria parkeriana Need?

Hookeria parkeriana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hookeria parkeriana is native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Hookeria parkeriana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Hookeria parkeriana 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 Hookeriopsis genus — compare its care with other Hookeriopsis species on PlantoScan.

Hookeriopsis is part of the Pilotrichaceae plant family — browse all Pilotrichaceae genera and species.

Hookeria parkeriana 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: Hookeriopsis parkeriana (Hook. & Grev.) A.Jaeger, family Pilotrichaceae (first published in Ber. Thätigk. St. Gallischen Naturwiss. Ges. 1875–76: 360 (Gen. Sp. Musc. 2: 264) 1877) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hookeria parkeriana, 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 13a, 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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