False Asphodel Plant Care

Triantha racemosa (Walter) Small

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Triantha racemosa, commonly called the coastal false asphodel or southern bog asphodel, is a species of flowering plant in the Tofieldia family. It is native to the Coastal Plain of the Southeastern United States, although there are a few disjunct populations inland.

Water

Every 3–5 days

Light

Partial to full shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for False Asphodel?

Water False Asphodel every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the False Asphodel Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the False Asphodel?

False Asphodel (Triantha racemosa) belongs to the Tofieldiaceae family within the Triantha genus. False Asphodel is native to the Coastal Plain of the Southeastern United States.

False Asphodel displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. False Asphodel produces small white flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a False Asphodel?

Triantha racemosa 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 False Asphodel Need?

False Asphodel thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing False Asphodel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Partial to full shade

100–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the False Asphodel Prefer?

Triantha racemosa grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. False Asphodel prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a False Asphodel?

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for False Asphodel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a False Asphodel?

Feed False Asphodel 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 False Asphodel?

Repot every 1-2 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 False Asphodel?

False Asphodel can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sticky false asphodel plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the False Asphodel Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list False 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 False Asphodel?

False Asphodel is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. 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 False Asphodel Need?

False Asphodel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. False Asphodel is native to the Coastal Plain of the Southeastern United States. In cooler regions, grow False Asphodel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

False 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 Triantha genus — compare its care with other Triantha species on PlantoScan.

Triantha is part of the Tofieldiaceae plant family — browse all Tofieldiaceae genera and species.

False Asphodel 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: Triantha racemosa (Walter) Small, family Tofieldiaceae (first published in Fl. S.E. U.S. : 249 (1903)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list False 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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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