Least Pillwort Plant Care
Pilularia minuta Durieu; A.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pilularia minuta is a species of fern in the family Marsileaceae. It is an ephemeral species that relies on seasonal flooding.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Least Pillwort?
Water Least 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 Least Pillwort?
Least Pillwort (Pilularia minuta) belongs to the Marsileaceae family within the Pilularia genus.
Least Pillwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Least Pillwort produces inconspicuous, small spore-bearing structures.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Least Pillwort?
Pilularia minuta 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 Least Pillwort Need?
Least Pillwort thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Least 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 Least Pillwort Prefer?
Pilularia minuta grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Least 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 Least Pillwort?
Sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Least Pillwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Least 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 Least Pillwort?
Least Pillwort can be propagated through spores, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pillwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Least Pillwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Least 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 Least Pillwort?
Least 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 Least Pillwort Need?
Least Pillwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Least Pillwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Least 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.
Least 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 minuta Durieu; A.Br., family Marsileaceae (first published in Monatsber. Königl. Preuss. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 1863: 435 (1864)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Least 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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