Atlantic Crystalwort Plant Care
Riccia atlantica Sérgio & Perold
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Riccia atlantica is a rare species of liverwort in the family Ricciaceae. It is endemic to the Madeira archipelago and the Savage Islands in Portugal.
Every 3–5 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Atlantic Crystalwort?
Water Atlantic Crystalwort every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Atlantic Crystalwort Native To?
What Is the Atlantic Crystalwort?
Atlantic Crystalwort (Riccia atlantica) belongs to the Ricciaceae family within the Riccia genus. Atlantic Crystalwort is native to the Madeira archipelago and the Savage Islands in Portugal.
Atlantic Crystalwort displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Atlantic Crystalwort produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Atlantic Crystalwort?
Riccia atlantica 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 Atlantic Crystalwort Need?
Atlantic Crystalwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Atlantic Crystalwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Atlantic Crystalwort Prefer?
Riccia atlantica grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Atlantic Crystalwort prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Atlantic Crystalwort?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Atlantic Crystalwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Atlantic Crystalwort?
Feed Atlantic Crystalwort every 6 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 6 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 Atlantic Crystalwort?
Can be left undisturbed for long periods. 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 Atlantic Crystalwort?
Atlantic Crystalwort can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to riccia canaliculata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Atlantic Crystalwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Atlantic Crystalwort, 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 Atlantic Crystalwort?
Atlantic Crystalwort is susceptible to generally pest-free. 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 Atlantic Crystalwort Need?
Atlantic Crystalwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Atlantic Crystalwort is native to the Madeira archipelago and the Savage Islands in Portugal. In cooler regions, grow Atlantic Crystalwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Atlantic Crystalwort 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 Riccia genus — compare its care with other Riccia species on PlantoScan.
Riccia is part of the Ricciaceae plant family — browse all Ricciaceae genera and species.
Atlantic Crystalwort 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: Riccia atlantica Sérgio & Perold, family Ricciaceae (first published in J. Bryol. 17: 127. f. 1–3 1992) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Atlantic Crystalwort, 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 13b, 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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