Photo: portioidCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Black-horned treehopper Plant Care
Phymatodes nigrescens (Blume) J.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking metallic blue-green color and elongated oval shape, this plant originates from the forests of Eastern Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Phymatodes nigrescens for its unique iridescent leaves that shimmer in the sunlight, making it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered light, partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Black-horned treehopper?
Water Black-horned treehopper every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Black-horned treehopper Native To?
What Is the Black-horned treehopper?
Black-horned treehopper (Phymatodes nigrescens) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Phymatodes genus. Black-horned treehopper is native to North America.
Black-horned treehopper displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Black-horned treehopper produces tiny inconspicuous flowers, mainly grown for foliage.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black-horned treehopper?
Phymatodes nigrescens 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 Black-horned treehopper Need?
Black-horned treehopper thrives in filtered light, partial shade. Avoid placing Black-horned treehopper in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black-horned treehopper Prefer?
Phymatodes nigrescens grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Black-horned treehopper 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 Black-horned treehopper?
Well-draining soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Black-horned treehopper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Black-horned treehopper?
Feed Black-horned treehopper 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 Black-horned treehopper?
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 Black-horned treehopper?
Black-horned treehopper can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Black-horned treehopper Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Black-horned treehopper, 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 Black-horned treehopper?
Black-horned treehopper 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Black-horned treehopper Need?
Black-horned treehopper grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Black-horned treehopper is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Black-horned treehopper as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Black-horned treehopper 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 Phymatodes genus (family Polypodiaceae) — search all Phymatodes species in the plant lookup.
Black-horned treehopper produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Phymatodes nigrescens (Blume) J.Sm., family Polypodiaceae (first published in Ferns br. and for. 94. 1866) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Black-horned treehopper, 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: portioid, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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