Paludella squarrosa (Paludella squarrosa)

Photo: Jason GrantCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Paludella squarrosa Plant Care

Paludella squarrosa (Hedw.) Brid.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its unique, fan-shaped leaves that give it a distinct appearance. It originates from the wetlands of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its stunning foliage and ability to thrive in aquatic environments.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Paludella squarrosa?

Water Paludella squarrosa every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Paludella squarrosa Native To?

Native range11 countries

What Is the Paludella squarrosa?

Paludella squarrosa (Paludella squarrosa) belongs to the Meesiaceae family within the Paludella genus. Paludella squarrosa is native to Southeast Asia.

Paludella squarrosa displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Paludella squarrosa produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Paludella squarrosa?

Paludella squarrosa 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 Paludella squarrosa Need?

Paludella squarrosa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Paludella squarrosa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Paludella squarrosa Prefer?

Paludella squarrosa grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Paludella squarrosa prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Paludella squarrosa?

Loose, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Paludella squarrosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Paludella squarrosa?

Feed Paludella squarrosa every 2 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 2 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 Paludella squarrosa?

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 Paludella squarrosa?

Paludella squarrosa can be propagated through division, spores.

Is the Paludella squarrosa Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Paludella squarrosa, 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 Paludella squarrosa?

Paludella squarrosa is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. 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

Paludella squarrosa 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 Paludella genus — compare its care with other Paludella species on PlantoScan.

Paludella is part of the Meesiaceae plant family — browse all Meesiaceae genera and species.

Paludella squarrosa 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: Paludella squarrosa (Hedw.) Brid., family Meesiaceae (first published in Muscol. Recent. Suppl. 3: 72 1817) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Paludella squarrosa, 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: Jason Grant, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • 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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