Megaceros callistictus Plant Care
Megaceros callistictus (Spruce) Stephani
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phaeoceros carolinianus is a species of hornwort—a group of simple, non-vascular plants—that is found worldwide in damp, shaded areas. It forms flat, dark green, rosette-shaped patches measuring 10–20 mm in diameter on bare soil and rock surfaces.
Every 7–10 days
Indirect bright light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Megaceros callistictus?
Water Megaceros callistictus every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it indirect bright light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Megaceros callistictus?
Megaceros callistictus (Megaceros callistictus) belongs to the Dendrocerotaceae family within the Megaceros genus.
Megaceros callistictus displays a low rosette, creeping mat growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Megaceros callistictus produces small, inconspicuous, greenish.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Megaceros callistictus?
Megaceros callistictus 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 Megaceros callistictus Need?
Megaceros callistictus thrives in indirect bright light. Avoid placing Megaceros callistictus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Indirect bright light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Megaceros callistictus Prefer?
Megaceros callistictus grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Megaceros callistictus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Megaceros callistictus?
Well-draining peat-based soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Megaceros callistictus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Megaceros callistictus?
Feed Megaceros callistictus every 6 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 6 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 Megaceros callistictus?
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 Megaceros callistictus?
Megaceros callistictus can be propagated through spores, gemmae cups.
Is the Megaceros callistictus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Megaceros callistictus, 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 Megaceros callistictus?
Megaceros callistictus is susceptible to fungal infections, slugs. 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 Megaceros callistictus Need?
Megaceros callistictus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Megaceros callistictus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Megaceros callistictus 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 Megaceros genus — compare its care with other Megaceros species on PlantoScan.
Megaceros is part of the Dendrocerotaceae plant family — browse all Dendrocerotaceae genera and species.
Megaceros callistictus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Megaceros callistictus (Spruce) Stephani, family Dendrocerotaceae (first published in Sp. Hepat. 5: 947 1916) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Megaceros callistictus, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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