American Pillwort Plant Care
Pilularia americana A.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pilularia americana, the American pillwort, is an unusual species of fern. The fronds essentially consist of the petioles only, any form of flattened laminae having been lost.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for American Pillwort?
Water American Pillwort every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity.
What Is the American Pillwort?
American Pillwort (Pilularia americana) belongs to the Marsileaceae family within the Pilularia genus. American Pillwort is also known as Pepperwort.
American Pillwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. American Pillwort produces inconspicuous, small spore-bearing structures.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American Pillwort?
Pilularia americana requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the American Pillwort Need?
American Pillwort thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing American Pillwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Pillwort Prefer?
Pilularia americana grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. American Pillwort prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Pillwort?
Sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for American Pillwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a American Pillwort?
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 American Pillwort?
American Pillwort can be propagated through spores, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pillwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American Pillwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American Pillwort, 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 American Pillwort?
American Pillwort is susceptible to snails, slugs. 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 American Pillwort Need?
American Pillwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow American Pillwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
American Pillwort 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 Pilularia genus — compare its care with other Pilularia species on PlantoScan.
Pilularia is part of the Marsileaceae plant family — browse all Marsileaceae genera and species.
American Pillwort 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: Pilularia americana A.Br., family Marsileaceae (first published in Monatsber. Konigl. Preuss. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 1863: 435 1863) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American Pillwort, 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 12a, 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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