Photo: Timur KalininskyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Foamflower Plant Care
Tiarella polyphylla D.Don
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tiarella polyphylla is a unique plant known for its delicate, deeply lobed leaves that form a dense mound of foliage. Originating from the woodlands of North America, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in shaded areas.
Every 4–7 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Foamflower?
Water Foamflower every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full 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 Foamflower Native To?
What Is the Foamflower?
Foamflower (Tiarella polyphylla) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Tiarella genus. Foamflower is native to Asia, ranging from the eastern Himalayas to China, east Asia, and southeast Asia.
Foamflower displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Foamflower produces delicate spikes of tiny, star-shaped white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Foamflower?
Tiarella polyphylla requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Foamflower Need?
Foamflower thrives in part shade to full shade. Avoid placing Foamflower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Foamflower Prefer?
Tiarella polyphylla grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Foamflower 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 Foamflower?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Foamflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Foamflower?
Feed Foamflower 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 Foamflower?
Repot every 2-3 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 Foamflower?
Foamflower can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to foamflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Foamflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Foamflower, 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 Foamflower?
Foamflower is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Foamflower Need?
Foamflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Foamflower is native to Asia, ranging from the eastern Himalayas to China, east Asia, and southeast Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Foamflower 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 Tiarella genus — compare its care with other Tiarella species on PlantoScan.
Tiarella is part of the Saxifragaceae plant family — browse all Saxifragaceae genera and species.
Foamflower 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: Tiarella polyphylla D.Don, family Saxifragaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nepal. : 210 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Foamflower, 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: Timur Kalininsky, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, 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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