Photo: Flavien SaboureauCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Pillwort Plant Care
Pilularia globulifera L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant's distinctive visual feature is its globular, bead-like leaves that resemble tiny green peas. Originating from wetlands and marshy areas in Europe and North America, Pilularia globulifera is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual appearance and ability to thrive in waterlogged conditions. Its compact size and quirky shape make it a standout addition to any collection of rare and exotic plants.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Pillwort?
Water 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 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Pillwort Native To?
What Is the Pillwort?
Pillwort (Pilularia globulifera) belongs to the Marsileaceae family within the Pilularia genus. Pillwort is native to western Europe. Pillwort is also known as Common Pillwort, Globular Pillwort.
Pillwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Pillwort produces inconspicuous, small spore-bearing structures.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pillwort?
Pilularia globulifera 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 Pillwort Need?
Pillwort thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing 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 Pillwort Prefer?
Pilularia globulifera grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. 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 Pillwort?
Sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Pillwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pillwort?
Feed Pillwort 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 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 Pillwort?
Pillwort can be propagated through spores, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american pillwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pillwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Pillwort?
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 Pillwort Need?
Pillwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Pillwort is native to western Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
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.
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 globulifera L., family Marsileaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1100 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- Photo: Flavien Saboureau, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, 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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