Fringewort Plant Care
Ptilidium pulcherrimum (Weber) Hampe
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ptilidium pulcherrimum is a liverwort in the genus Ptilidium known by the common name tree fringewort in English. It is found across North America, Northern Europe, and Asia.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fringewort?
Water Fringewort 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 Fringewort?
Fringewort (Ptilidium pulcherrimum) belongs to the Ptilidiaceae family within the Ptilidium genus.
Fringewort displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Fringewort produces tiny inconspicuous flowers, primarily grown for foliage.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fringewort?
Ptilidium pulcherrimum 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 Fringewort Need?
Fringewort thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Fringewort 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 Fringewort Prefer?
Ptilidium pulcherrimum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Fringewort 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 Fringewort?
Loose, well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Fringewort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fringewort?
Feed Fringewort 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 Fringewort?
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 Fringewort?
Fringewort can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ptilidium californicum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fringewort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fringewort, 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 Fringewort?
Fringewort 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 Fringewort Need?
Fringewort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Fringewort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Fringewort 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.
Fringewort 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 pulcherrimum (Weber) Hampe, family Ptilidiaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Hercyn. 76 1836) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fringewort, 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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