Water Kalmopsis Plant Care
Howellia aquatilis A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Howellia aquatilis, the water howellia, is a small plant in the family Campanulaceae that was considered a federally threatened species between 1994 and 2021 under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Howellia.
Partial shade to full shade
At a glance
How do you care for Water Kalmopsis?
Water Kalmopsis grows best in partial shade to full shade.
What Is the Water Kalmopsis?
Water Kalmopsis (Howellia aquatilis) belongs to the Campanulaceae family within the Howellia genus. Water Kalmopsis is also known as Annual Water Kalmopsis.
Water Kalmopsis displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Water Kalmopsis produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.
What Light Does the Water Kalmopsis Need?
Water Kalmopsis thrives in partial shade to full shade. Avoid placing Water Kalmopsis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Kalmopsis?
Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Water Kalmopsis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Water Kalmopsis?
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 Water Kalmopsis?
Water Kalmopsis can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Water Kalmopsis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Kalmopsis, 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 Water Kalmopsis?
Water Kalmopsis is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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
Water Kalmopsis 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 Howellia genus — compare its care with other Howellia species on PlantoScan.
Howellia is part of the Campanulaceae plant family — browse all Campanulaceae genera and species.
Water Kalmopsis 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: Howellia aquatilis A.Gray, family Campanulaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 15: 43 (1880)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Kalmopsis, 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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