Weddell Aa (Aa weddelliana)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Weddell Aa Plant Care

Aa weddelliana (Rchb.f.) Schltr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily recognizable by its slender, arching fronds with fine, lacy leaflets. Originating from Madagascar, Aa weddelliana is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate appearance and exotic appeal, adding a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

🪴Houseplants🌸Orchids
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Weddell Aa?

Plant Weddell Aa in bright indirect light (USDA zones 11b–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Weddell Aa Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Weddell Aa?

Weddell Aa (Aa weddelliana) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Aa genus. Weddell Aa is native to Brazil.

Weddell Aa displays an epiphytic, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Weddell Aa produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various shapes and sizes.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Weddell Aa?

Water a young or newly planted Weddell Aa every 7–14 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 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Weddell Aa Need?

Weddell Aa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Weddell Aa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Weddell Aa Prefer?

Aa weddelliana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Weddell Aa prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Weddell Aa?

Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Weddell Aa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Weddell Aa?

Feed Weddell Aa every 2 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 2 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 Weddell Aa?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Weddell Aa is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 12b.

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 Weddell Aa?

Weddell Aa 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 Weddell Aa?

Prune Weddell Aa 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 Weddell Aa in Winter?

Weddell Aa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 Weddell Aa?

Weddell Aa can be propagated through division, back bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to achala aa plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Weddell Aa Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Weddell Aa, 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 Weddell Aa?

Weddell Aa is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Weddell Aa Need?

Weddell Aa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Weddell Aa is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Weddell Aa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Weddell Aa 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 Aa genus — compare its care with other Aa species on PlantoScan.

Aa is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.

Weddell Aa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Aa Species

Other Aa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Aa weddelliana (Rchb.f.) Schltr., family Orchidaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 11: 150. 1912) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Weddell Aa, 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 11b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Weddell Aa Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species