Largeleaf Waterleaf Plant Care
Hydrophyllum macrophyllum Nutt.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hydrophyllum macrophyllum, commonly known as the hairy waterleaf or largeleaf waterleaf, is native to the eastern United States where it is found primarily in the Midwest and Upper South. The genus Hydrophyllum is placed in the family Hydrophyllaceae.
Partial to full shade
At a glance
How do you care for Largeleaf Waterleaf?
Largeleaf Waterleaf grows best in partial to full shade.
Where Is the Largeleaf Waterleaf Native To?
What Is the Largeleaf Waterleaf?
Largeleaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum macrophyllum) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Hydrophyllum genus. Largeleaf Waterleaf is native to the eastern United States. Largeleaf Waterleaf is also known as Bigleaf Waterleaf.
Largeleaf Waterleaf displays a low rosette, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Largeleaf Waterleaf produces small, delicate bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue or white.
What Light Does the Largeleaf Waterleaf Need?
Largeleaf Waterleaf thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Largeleaf Waterleaf in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Largeleaf Waterleaf?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Largeleaf Waterleaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Largeleaf 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 Largeleaf Waterleaf?
Largeleaf Waterleaf can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canadian waterleaf plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Largeleaf Waterleaf Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Largeleaf 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 Largeleaf Waterleaf?
Largeleaf 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.
Keep exploring plants
Largeleaf 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.
Largeleaf 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 macrophyllum Nutt., family Boraginaceae (first published in J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 7: 111 (1834)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Largeleaf 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.
- 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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