Pterygophyllum lucens Plant Care

Pterygophyllum lucens (Pterygophyllum lucens) belongs to the Hookeriaceae family within the Pterygophyllum genus. Pterygophyllum lucens is native to Europe, east to the Caucasus, Turkey and China, as well as Scandinavia and the Faeroe Islands and western North America.

Pterygophyllum lucens displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Pterygophyllum lucens produces small, star-shaped white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pterygophyllum lucens every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Pterygophyllum lucens thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pterygophyllum lucens in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pterygophyllum lucens tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Pterygophyllum lucens prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loose, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pterygophyllum lucens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pterygophyllum lucens every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and loose, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pterygophyllum lucens is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Pterygophyllum lucens can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Pterygophyllum lucens while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Pterygophyllum lucens is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pterygophyllum lucens can be propagated through division, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pterygophyllum lucens is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Pterygophyllum lucens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Pterygophyllum lucens is native to Europe, east to the Caucasus, Turkey and China, as well as Scandinavia and the Faeroe Islands and western North America. In cooler regions, grow Pterygophyllum lucens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.