Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Canadian Waterleaf Plant Care
Hydrophyllum canadense L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hydrophyllum canadense, also known as the Canadian waterleaf, is characterized by its unique lobed leaves and delicate purple flowers. It is native to moist woodlands and stream banks in North America, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts for shady garden areas.
Every 4–7 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Canadian Waterleaf?
Water Canadian Waterleaf every 4–7 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Canadian Waterleaf Native To?
What Is the Canadian Waterleaf?
Canadian Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Hydrophyllum genus. Canadian Waterleaf is native to the eastern United States and Canada. Canadian Waterleaf is also known as Bluntleaf Waterleaf.
Canadian Waterleaf displays a low rosette, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Canadian Waterleaf produces small, delicate bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue or white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Canadian Waterleaf?
Hydrophyllum canadense requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Canadian Waterleaf Need?
Canadian Waterleaf thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Canadian Waterleaf in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Canadian Waterleaf Prefer?
Hydrophyllum canadense grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Canadian Waterleaf prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Canadian Waterleaf?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Canadian Waterleaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Canadian Waterleaf?
Feed Canadian Waterleaf 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 Canadian Waterleaf?
Repot every 2-3 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 Canadian Waterleaf?
Canadian Waterleaf can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to great waterleaf plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Canadian Waterleaf Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Canadian Waterleaf, 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 Canadian Waterleaf?
Canadian Waterleaf is susceptible to slugs, snails, powdery mildew. 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 Canadian Waterleaf Need?
Canadian Waterleaf grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Canadian Waterleaf is native to the eastern United States and Canada.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Canadian Waterleaf 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 Hydrophyllum genus — compare its care with other Hydrophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Hydrophyllum is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.
Canadian Waterleaf copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Hydrophyllum Species
Other Hydrophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hydrophyllum canadense L., family Boraginaceae (first published in Syst. Nat. ed. 10 , 2: 919 (1759)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Canadian Waterleaf, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, 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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