Photo: ChristinaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bog Asphodel Plant Care
Schoenus calceolus T.L.Elliott & Muasya
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily identified by its unique tubular leaves that resemble miniature boats. Originating from South Africa, Schoenus calceolus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and rareness in cultivation. Its distinctive foliage adds a captivating touch to any garden or plant collection.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bog Asphodel?
Water Bog Asphodel every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bog Asphodel Native To?
What Is the Bog Asphodel?
Bog Asphodel (Schoenus calceolus) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Schoenus genus. Bog Asphodel is native to limestone-derived soils in the Agulhas Plain region of South Africa. Bog Asphodel is also known as Schoenus calceolus var. brevifolius.
Bog Asphodel displays a grass-like perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bog Asphodel produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
How Often Should You Water a Bog Asphodel?
Schoenus calceolus requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bog Asphodel Need?
Bog Asphodel thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bog Asphodel Prefer?
Schoenus calceolus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Bog Asphodel prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bog Asphodel?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bog Asphodel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bog Asphodel?
Feed Bog Asphodel every 2 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 2 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 Bog Asphodel?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Bog Asphodel?
Bog Asphodel can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sand bog rush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bog Asphodel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bog Asphodel, 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 Bog Asphodel?
Bog Asphodel is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, leafhoppers. 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 Bog Asphodel Need?
Bog Asphodel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Bog Asphodel is native to limestone-derived soils in the Agulhas Plain region of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Bog Asphodel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Bog Asphodel 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 Schoenus genus — compare its care with other Schoenus species on PlantoScan.
Schoenus is part of the Cyperaceae plant family — browse all Cyperaceae genera and species.
Bog Asphodel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Schoenus Species
Other Schoenus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Schoenus calceolus T.L.Elliott & Muasya, family Cyperaceae (first published in S. African J. Bot. 121: 534. 2019 [4 Feb 2019] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bog Asphodel, 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: Christina, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Bog Asphodel Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species