Dragon mountain pillwort Plant Care
Pilularia dracomontana N.R.Crouch & Wesley-Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This small, delicate fern from South Africa is known for its unique globe-shaped sporocarps that resemble tiny pills. Pilularia dracomontana is a rare find that thrives in wet, sandy habitats, making it a coveted addition for plant collectors seeking unusual and exotic species to add to their collections.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Dragon mountain pillwort?
Water Dragon mountain 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. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Dragon mountain pillwort?
Dragon mountain pillwort (Pilularia dracomontana) belongs to the Marsileaceae family within the Pilularia genus. Dragon mountain pillwort is native to South Africa. Dragon mountain pillwort is also known as Drakensberg pillwort.
Dragon mountain pillwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Dragon mountain pillwort produces inconspicuous, small spore-bearing structures.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dragon mountain pillwort?
Pilularia dracomontana 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 Dragon mountain pillwort Need?
Dragon mountain pillwort thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Dragon mountain 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 Dragon mountain pillwort Prefer?
Pilularia dracomontana grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Dragon mountain 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 Dragon mountain pillwort?
Sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Dragon mountain pillwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dragon mountain pillwort?
Feed Dragon mountain pillwort 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 Dragon mountain 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 Dragon mountain pillwort?
Dragon mountain pillwort can be propagated through spores, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pillwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dragon mountain pillwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dragon mountain 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 Dragon mountain pillwort?
Dragon mountain 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 Dragon mountain pillwort Need?
Dragon mountain pillwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dragon mountain pillwort is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Dragon mountain pillwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Dragon mountain 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.
Dragon mountain 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 dracomontana N.R.Crouch & Wesley-Sm., family Marsileaceae (first published in Bothalia 41(1): 201 (2011)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dragon mountain 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Dragon mountain pillwort Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species