Ptilidium californicum Plant Care
Ptilidium californicum (Austin) Underw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ptilidium californicum, the Pacific fuzzwort, is a rare liverwort of the western United States.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ptilidium californicum?
Water Ptilidium californicum every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ptilidium californicum?
Ptilidium californicum (Ptilidium californicum) belongs to the Ptilidiaceae family within the Ptilidium genus.
Ptilidium californicum displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Ptilidium californicum produces tiny inconspicuous flowers, primarily grown for foliage.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ptilidium californicum?
Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum Need?
Ptilidium californicum thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Ptilidium californicum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ptilidium californicum Prefer?
Ptilidium californicum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium californicum?
Loose, well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Ptilidium californicum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ptilidium californicum?
Feed Ptilidium californicum every 8 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 8 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 Ptilidium californicum?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Ptilidium californicum?
Ptilidium californicum can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ciliate fringewort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ptilidium californicum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ptilidium californicum, 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 Ptilidium californicum?
Ptilidium californicum is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, 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 Ptilidium californicum Need?
Ptilidium californicum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Ptilidium californicum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ptilidium californicum 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 Ptilidium genus — compare its care with other Ptilidium species on PlantoScan.
Ptilidium is part of the Ptilidiaceae plant family — browse all Ptilidiaceae genera and species.
Ptilidium californicum 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: Ptilidium californicum (Austin) Underw., family Ptilidiaceae (first published in Geol. Nat. Hist. Surv. Canada 7 1890) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ptilidium californicum, 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 13a, 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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