Isotoma fluviatilis aka Isotoma
Taxonomy ID: 3206
Isotoma fluviatilis, also known as swamp isotome or blue star creeper, is a small herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Australia. This evergreen groundcover forms a flat carpet of tiny green leaves and is smothered with starry, soft-blue flowers throughout the summer. It can even be grown as an annual in colder regions. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate foot traffic, spreading by runners but can be contained with deep landscaping edging material. Isotoma fluviatilis is a great option for growing under taller plants and can be covered by runners.
Common names
Isotoma, Swamp Isotome, Blue Star CreeperMore information about Isotoma
How difficult is it to take care of Isotoma
Isotoma requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What are the water needs for Isotoma
Isotoma should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Isotoma
Isotoma loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Isotoma
To ensure optimal growth, the Isotoma prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Isotoma
The Isotoma should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Isotoma toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
