Photo: Christian BergCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Canary Island Holly Plant Care
Pleiomeris canariensis (Willd.) A.DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pleiomeris canariensis, also known as Canary Island maidenhair fern, is characterized by its delicate and finely-cut fronds that give it a lacy appearance. Originating from the Canary Islands, this plant is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unique and attractive foliage.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Canary Island Holly?
Water Canary Island Holly every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Canary Island Holly Native To?
What Is the Canary Island Holly?
Canary Island Holly (Pleiomeris canariensis) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Pleiomeris genus. Canary Island Holly is native to Canary Islands, Spain.
Canary Island Holly displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Canary Island Holly produces small, delicate flowers in shades of pink, white, or lavender.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Canary Island Holly?
Pleiomeris canariensis requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Canary Island Holly Need?
Canary Island Holly thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Canary Island Holly in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Canary Island Holly Prefer?
Pleiomeris canariensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Canary Island Holly 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 Canary Island Holly?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Canary Island Holly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Canary Island Holly?
Feed Canary Island Holly 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 Canary Island Holly?
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 Canary Island Holly?
Canary Island Holly can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Canary Island Holly Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Canary Island Holly, 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 Canary Island Holly?
Canary Island Holly is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Canary Island Holly Need?
Canary Island Holly grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Canary Island Holly is native to Canary Islands, Spain. In cooler regions, grow Canary Island Holly as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Canary Island Holly 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 Pleiomeris genus — compare its care with other Pleiomeris species on PlantoScan.
Pleiomeris is part of the Primulaceae plant family — browse all Primulaceae genera and species.
Canary Island Holly thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pleiomeris canariensis (Willd.) A.DC., family Primulaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 2, 16: 88 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Canary Island Holly, 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: Christian Berg, 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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