
Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Slender mudmat Plant Care
Trithuria inconspicua Cheeseman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Trithuria inconspicua is characterized by its delicate, thread-like leaves that give it a unique appearance. Originating from Australia, this plant is coveted by collectors for its rarity and beauty, making it a prized addition to any collection of exotic plants.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Slender mudmat?
Plant Slender mudmat in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 3–5 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Slender mudmat Native To?
What Is the Slender mudmat?
Slender mudmat (Trithuria inconspicua) belongs to the Hydatellaceae family within the Trithuria genus. Slender mudmat is native to New Zealand.
Slender mudmat displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Slender mudmat produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Slender mudmat?
Water a young or newly planted Slender mudmat every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Slender mudmat Need?
Slender mudmat thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Slender mudmat Prefer?
Trithuria inconspicua tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Slender mudmat prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slender mudmat?
Sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Slender mudmat to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Slender mudmat?
Feed Slender mudmat every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Slender mudmat?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Slender mudmat is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Slender mudmat?
Slender mudmat can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Slender mudmat?
Prune Slender mudmat while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Slender mudmat in Winter?
Slender mudmat is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Slender mudmat?
Slender mudmat can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to water starwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Slender mudmat Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slender mudmat, 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 Slender mudmat?
Slender mudmat is susceptible to aphids, 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 Slender mudmat Need?
Slender mudmat grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Slender mudmat is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Slender mudmat as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Slender mudmat 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 Trithuria genus — compare its care with other Trithuria species on PlantoScan.
Trithuria is part of the Hydatellaceae plant family — browse all Hydatellaceae genera and species.
Slender mudmat thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Trithuria Species
Other Trithuria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Trithuria inconspicua Cheeseman, family Hydatellaceae (first published in Man. New Zealand Fl. : 756 (1906)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slender mudmat, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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.
