Wavy-leaved liverwort Plant Care

Schistochila undulatifolia Piippo

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its unique undulating foliar margins, Schistochila undulatifolia is a rare liverwort originating from the forests of Japan. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its striking appearance and unusual texture, making it a coveted addition to any collection.

Water

Every 3–5 days

Light

Low to medium indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Wavy-leaved liverwort?

Water Wavy-leaved liverwort every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

Where Is the Wavy-leaved liverwort Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Wavy-leaved liverwort?

Wavy-leaved liverwort (Schistochila undulatifolia) belongs to the Schistochilaceae family within the Schistochila genus. Wavy-leaved liverwort is native to Papua New Guinea. Wavy-leaved liverwort is also known as Undulating schistochila, Curly leafed thallose liverwort.

Wavy-leaved liverwort displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Wavy-leaved liverwort produces non-flowering.

Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Wavy-leaved liverwort?

Schistochila undulatifolia 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 Wavy-leaved liverwort Need?

Wavy-leaved liverwort thrives in low to medium indirect light. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Wavy-leaved liverwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Low to medium indirect light

100–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wavy-leaved liverwort Prefer?

Schistochila undulatifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Wavy-leaved liverwort prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wavy-leaved liverwort?

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Wavy-leaved liverwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Wavy-leaved liverwort?

Feed Wavy-leaved liverwort 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 Wavy-leaved liverwort?

Repot every 1-2 years. 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 Wavy-leaved liverwort?

Wavy-leaved liverwort can be propagated through spores, division of plant body. Similar propagation techniques also apply to appendaged scalewort plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Wavy-leaved liverwort Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Wavy-leaved liverwort, 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 Wavy-leaved liverwort?

Wavy-leaved liverwort 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 Wavy-leaved liverwort Need?

Wavy-leaved liverwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Wavy-leaved liverwort is native to Papua New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Wavy-leaved liverwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Wavy-leaved liverwort 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 Schistochila genus — compare its care with other Schistochila species on PlantoScan.

Schistochila is part of the Schistochilaceae plant family — browse all Schistochilaceae genera and species.

Wavy-leaved liverwort 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: Schistochila undulatifolia Piippo, family Schistochilaceae (first published in Ann. Bot. Fenn. 23: 8. f. 4: a–d 1986) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wavy-leaved liverwort, 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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