Photo: Karen EichholzCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Membranous Satyrium Plant Care
Satyrium membranaceum Sw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Satyrium membranaceum is a striking plant known for its unique variegated leaves that feature a blend of green, white, and pink hues. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of South America and is prized by plant enthusiasts for its eye-catching foliage.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Membranous Satyrium?
Water Membranous Satyrium every 7–10 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 month during the growing season.
Where Is the Membranous Satyrium Native To?
What Is the Membranous Satyrium?
Membranous Satyrium (Satyrium membranaceum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Satyrium genus. Membranous Satyrium is native to south and western Cape Province.
Membranous Satyrium displays a clumping, terrestrial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Membranous Satyrium produces small, delicate flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Membranous Satyrium?
Satyrium membranaceum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Membranous Satyrium Need?
Membranous Satyrium thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Membranous Satyrium in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Membranous Satyrium Prefer?
Satyrium membranaceum grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Membranous Satyrium 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 Membranous Satyrium?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Membranous Satyrium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Membranous Satyrium?
Feed Membranous Satyrium every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Membranous Satyrium?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. 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 Membranous Satyrium?
Membranous Satyrium can be propagated through division, back bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to two-horned satyrium plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Membranous Satyrium Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Membranous Satyrium, 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 Membranous Satyrium?
Membranous Satyrium is susceptible to aphids, scale, spider mites. 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 Membranous Satyrium Need?
Membranous Satyrium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Membranous Satyrium is native to south and western Cape Province. In cooler regions, grow Membranous Satyrium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Membranous Satyrium 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 Satyrium genus — compare its care with other Satyrium species on PlantoScan.
Satyrium is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Membranous Satyrium thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Satyrium Species
Other Satyrium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Satyrium membranaceum Sw., family Orchidaceae (first published in Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 21: 216 (1800)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Membranous Satyrium, 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: Karen Eichholz, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 10b, 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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