Photo: Brett SandfordCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Lepidozia ulothrix Plant Care
Lepidozia ulothrix (Schwägr.) Lindenb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique fan-shaped leaves and vibrant green color, this plant originates from damp, shaded areas in Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Lepidozia ulothrix for its rare appearance and ability to thrive in low light conditions, making it a coveted addition to any collection.
Every 3–5 days
Low to medium indirect light
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Lepidozia ulothrix?
Water Lepidozia ulothrix every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lepidozia ulothrix Native To?
What Is the Lepidozia ulothrix?
Lepidozia ulothrix (Lepidozia ulothrix) belongs to the Lepidoziaceae family within the Lepidozia genus. Lepidozia ulothrix is native to the moist habitats in Australia and New Zealand. Lepidozia ulothrix is also known as scale moss.
Lepidozia ulothrix displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Lepidozia ulothrix produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lepidozia ulothrix?
Lepidozia ulothrix 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 Lepidozia ulothrix Need?
Lepidozia ulothrix thrives in low to medium indirect light. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Lepidozia ulothrix in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lepidozia ulothrix Prefer?
Lepidozia ulothrix grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Lepidozia ulothrix prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lepidozia ulothrix?
Loose, well-draining peat-based mix with added perlite. Good drainage is essential for Lepidozia ulothrix to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lepidozia ulothrix?
Feed Lepidozia ulothrix every 8 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 8 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 Lepidozia ulothrix?
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 Lepidozia ulothrix?
Lepidozia ulothrix can be propagated through spores, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lepidozia azorica plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lepidozia ulothrix Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lepidozia ulothrix, 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 Lepidozia ulothrix?
Lepidozia ulothrix is susceptible to fungal infections, 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 Lepidozia ulothrix Need?
Lepidozia ulothrix grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Lepidozia ulothrix is native to the moist habitats in Australia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Lepidozia ulothrix as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Lepidozia ulothrix 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 Lepidozia genus — compare its care with other Lepidozia species on PlantoScan.
Lepidozia is part of the Lepidoziaceae plant family — browse all Lepidoziaceae genera and species.
Lepidozia ulothrix 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: Lepidozia ulothrix (Schwägr.) Lindenb., family Lepidoziaceae (first published in Syn. Hepat. 210 1845) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lepidozia ulothrix, 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: Brett Sandford, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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