Yakushima ulota Plant Care
Ulota yakushimensis Z.Iwats.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique moss species is characterized by its vibrant green, star-shaped leaves. Originating from the Yakushima Island in Japan, Ulota yakushimensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and exotic appearance, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 3–7 days
Medium indirect light
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Yakushima ulota?
Water Yakushima ulota every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Yakushima ulota Native To?
What Is the Yakushima ulota?
Yakushima ulota (Ulota yakushimensis) belongs to the Orthotrichaceae family within the Ulota genus. Yakushima ulota is native to Japan. Yakushima ulota is also known as Yakushima moss.
Yakushima ulota displays a low rosette, spreading mat growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Yakushima ulota produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Yakushima ulota?
Ulota yakushimensis 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 Yakushima ulota Need?
Yakushima ulota thrives in medium indirect light. Avoid placing Yakushima ulota in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Medium indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Yakushima ulota Prefer?
Ulota yakushimensis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Yakushima ulota 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 Yakushima ulota?
Well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Yakushima ulota to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Yakushima ulota?
Feed Yakushima ulota 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 Yakushima ulota?
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 Yakushima ulota?
Yakushima ulota can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to crisped ulota moss plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Yakushima ulota Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Yakushima ulota, 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 Yakushima ulota?
Yakushima ulota is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Yakushima ulota 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 Ulota genus — compare its care with other Ulota species on PlantoScan.
Ulota is part of the Orthotrichaceae plant family — browse all Orthotrichaceae genera and species.
Yakushima ulota thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ulota yakushimensis Z.Iwats., family Orthotrichaceae (first published in J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 21: 153. 7f. 1g 1959) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Yakushima ulota, 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.
- 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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