Philydrella pygmaea Plant Care

Philydrella pygmaea Caruel

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Philydrella pygmaea is a plant species in the Philydraceae family, first described by Robert Brown in 1810 as Philydrum pygmaeum, and transferred to the genus, Philydrella in 1878 by Teodoro Caruel.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Philydrella pygmaea?

Water Philydrella pygmaea 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 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Philydrella pygmaea?

Philydrella pygmaea (Philydrella pygmaea) belongs to the Philydraceae family within the Philydrella genus.

Philydrella pygmaea displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Philydrella pygmaea produces small, delicate white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Philydrella pygmaea?

Philydrella pygmaea 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 Philydrella pygmaea Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Philydrella pygmaea Prefer?

Philydrella pygmaea grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Philydrella pygmaea 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 Philydrella pygmaea?

Loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Philydrella pygmaea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Philydrella pygmaea?

Feed Philydrella pygmaea 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 Philydrella pygmaea?

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 Philydrella pygmaea?

Philydrella pygmaea can be propagated through division, seeds.

Is the Philydrella pygmaea Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Philydrella pygmaea, 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 Philydrella pygmaea?

Philydrella pygmaea is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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 Philydrella pygmaea Need?

Philydrella pygmaea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Philydrella pygmaea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Philydrella pygmaea 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 Philydrella genus — compare its care with other Philydrella species on PlantoScan.

Philydrella is part of the Philydraceae plant family — browse all Philydraceae genera and species.

Philydrella pygmaea 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: Philydrella pygmaea Caruel, family Philydraceae (first published in Monogr. Phan. [A.DC. & C.DC.] 3: 4. 1881 [Jun 1881]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Philydrella pygmaea, 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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