Photo: Tom FieldCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Japanese Water Clover Plant Care
Marsilea mutica Mett.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Marsilea mutica, also known as the water clover, is a unique aquatic plant with distinctive four-leaf clover-shaped leaves. It is native to Australia and New Zealand and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its interesting appearance and ease of care.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Japanese Water Clover?
Water Japanese Water Clover every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Japanese Water Clover Native To?
What Is the Japanese Water Clover?
Japanese Water Clover (Marsilea mutica) belongs to the Marsileaceae family within the Marsilea genus. Japanese Water Clover is native to freshwater marshes, mostly in Australia and nearby New Caledonia. Japanese Water Clover is also known as Water Clover.
Japanese Water Clover displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Japanese Water Clover produces small inconspicuous sporocarps.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Japanese Water Clover?
Marsilea mutica requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Japanese Water Clover Need?
Japanese Water Clover thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Japanese Water Clover Prefer?
Marsilea mutica grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Japanese Water Clover prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Japanese Water Clover?
Rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Japanese Water Clover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Japanese Water Clover?
Feed Japanese Water Clover 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 Japanese Water Clover?
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 Japanese Water Clover?
Japanese Water Clover can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to four-leaf clover plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Japanese Water Clover Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Japanese Water Clover, 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 Japanese Water Clover?
Japanese Water Clover is susceptible to snails, slugs, aphids. 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 Japanese Water Clover Need?
Japanese Water Clover grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Japanese Water Clover is native to freshwater marshes, mostly in Australia and nearby New Caledonia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Japanese Water Clover 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 Marsilea genus — compare its care with other Marsilea species on PlantoScan.
Marsilea is part of the Marsileaceae plant family — browse all Marsileaceae genera and species.
Japanese Water Clover thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Marsilea Species
Other Marsilea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Marsilea mutica Mett., family Marsileaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 4, 15: 88 (1861)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Japanese Water Clover, 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: Tom Field, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, 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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