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Weissia sterilis Plant Care
Weissia sterilis W.E.Nicholson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its bright green, lance-shaped leaves that form dense mats, this plant originally hails from Europe and Asia. Weissia sterilis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate appearance and ability to thrive in shady, moist environments, making it a unique addition to any collection.
Every 3–5 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Weissia sterilis?
Water Weissia sterilis 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 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Weissia sterilis Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Weissia sterilis?
Weissia sterilis (Weissia sterilis) belongs to the Pottiaceae family within the Weissia genus. Weissia sterilis is native to lowland grasslands in Europe, mainly France and Great Britain.
Weissia sterilis displays a low mat-forming groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Weissia sterilis produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Weissia sterilis?
Weissia sterilis 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 Weissia sterilis Need?
Weissia sterilis thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Weissia sterilis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Weissia sterilis Prefer?
Weissia sterilis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Weissia sterilis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Weissia sterilis?
Well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Weissia sterilis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Weissia sterilis?
Feed Weissia sterilis every 8 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 8 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 Weissia sterilis?
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 Weissia sterilis?
Weissia sterilis can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to weissia bizotii plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Weissia sterilis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Weissia sterilis, 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 Weissia sterilis?
Weissia sterilis is susceptible to slugs, snails, 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 Weissia sterilis Need?
Weissia sterilis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Weissia sterilis is native to lowland grasslands in Europe, mainly France and Great Britain. In cooler regions, grow Weissia sterilis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Weissia sterilis 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 Weissia genus — compare its care with other Weissia species on PlantoScan.
Weissia is part of the Pottiaceae plant family — browse all Pottiaceae genera and species.
Weissia sterilis 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: Weissia sterilis W.E.Nicholson, family Pottiaceae (first published in J. Bot. 41: 248 1903) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Weissia sterilis, 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- 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.
