Mickelia nicotianifolia Plant Care
Mickelia nicotianifolia (Sw.) R.C.Moran, Labiak & Sundue
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Mickelia nicotianifolia is a species of fern in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Elaphoglossoideae. It has a widespread distribution in Central America and northern South America.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mickelia nicotianifolia?
Water Mickelia nicotianifolia every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Mickelia nicotianifolia?
Mickelia nicotianifolia (Mickelia nicotianifolia) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Mickelia genus.
Mickelia nicotianifolia displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mickelia nicotianifolia produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mickelia nicotianifolia?
Mickelia nicotianifolia requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mickelia nicotianifolia Need?
Mickelia nicotianifolia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Mickelia nicotianifolia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mickelia nicotianifolia Prefer?
Mickelia nicotianifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Mickelia nicotianifolia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mickelia nicotianifolia?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Mickelia nicotianifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mickelia nicotianifolia?
Feed Mickelia nicotianifolia 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 Mickelia nicotianifolia?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Mickelia nicotianifolia?
Mickelia nicotianifolia can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Mickelia nicotianifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mickelia nicotianifolia, 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 Mickelia nicotianifolia?
Mickelia nicotianifolia is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Mickelia nicotianifolia Need?
Mickelia nicotianifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Mickelia nicotianifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Mickelia nicotianifolia 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 Mickelia genus — compare its care with other Mickelia species on PlantoScan.
Mickelia is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Mickelia nicotianifolia 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: Mickelia nicotianifolia (Sw.) R.C.Moran, Labiak & Sundue, family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Brittonia 62(4): 347. 2010 [15 Dec 2010]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mickelia nicotianifolia, 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 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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