Image: AI generated
Spiny liverwort Plant Care
Pallavicinia spinosa (Gottsche) Stephani
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is easily recognized by its spiny, lobed leaves that resemble miniature cacti. Originating from the rainforests of tropical Asia, Pallavicinia spinosa is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual appearance and low maintenance requirements. Its distinctive texture and compact growth habit make it a standout addition to any collection.
Every 2–4 days
Low to medium indirect light
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Spiny liverwort?
Water Spiny liverwort every 2–4 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 month during the growing season.
Where Is the Spiny liverwort Native To?
What Is the Spiny liverwort?
Spiny liverwort (Pallavicinia spinosa) belongs to the Pallaviciniaceae family within the Pallavicinia genus. Spiny liverwort is native to South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the islands of Mauritius, Réunion and Saint Helena. Spiny liverwort is also known as Thorny liverwort.
Spiny liverwort displays a low rosette, creeping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spiny liverwort produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spiny liverwort?
Pallavicinia spinosa requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spiny liverwort Need?
Spiny liverwort thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Spiny liverwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spiny liverwort Prefer?
Pallavicinia spinosa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Spiny liverwort 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 Spiny liverwort?
Moist, well-draining peat-based soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Spiny liverwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spiny liverwort?
Feed Spiny liverwort 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 Spiny liverwort?
Replant every 1-2 years. 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 Spiny liverwort?
Spiny liverwort can be propagated through spores.
Is the Spiny liverwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spiny liverwort, 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 Spiny liverwort?
Spiny liverwort is susceptible to slugs, snails. 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
Spiny liverwort 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 Pallavicinia genus (family Pallaviciniaceae) — search all Pallavicinia species in the plant lookup.
Spiny liverwort 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: Pallavicinia spinosa (Gottsche) Stephani, family Pallaviciniaceae (first published in Mém. Herb. Boissier 11: 10 1900) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spiny liverwort, 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- 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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