Photo: Sarah RichardsonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Mount Cook Speargrass Plant Care
Aciphylla anomala Allan
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its sharp, sword-like leaves that form a dense rosette, this plant hails from the mountainous regions of New Zealand. Plant collectors are drawn to the Aciphylla anomala for its unique and striking foliage that adds a bold touch to any garden or collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mount Cook Speargrass?
Water Mount Cook Speargrass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mount Cook Speargrass Native To?
What Is the Mount Cook Speargrass?
Mount Cook Speargrass (Aciphylla anomala) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Aciphylla genus. Mount Cook Speargrass is native to New Zealand. Mount Cook Speargrass is also known as Spaniard.
Mount Cook Speargrass displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mount Cook Speargrass produces small white or greenish flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mount Cook Speargrass?
Aciphylla anomala requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mount Cook Speargrass Need?
Mount Cook Speargrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mount Cook Speargrass Prefer?
Aciphylla anomala grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Mount Cook Speargrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mount Cook Speargrass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Mount Cook Speargrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mount Cook Speargrass?
Feed Mount Cook Speargrass every 6 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 6 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 Mount Cook Speargrass?
Repot every 2-3 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 Mount Cook Speargrass?
Mount Cook Speargrass can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to colenso's speargrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mount Cook Speargrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mount Cook Speargrass, 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 Mount Cook Speargrass?
Mount Cook Speargrass is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, slugs. 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 Mount Cook Speargrass Need?
Mount Cook Speargrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Mount Cook Speargrass is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Mount Cook Speargrass 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 Aciphylla genus — compare its care with other Aciphylla species on PlantoScan.
Aciphylla is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Mount Cook Speargrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aciphylla Species
Other Aciphylla species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aciphylla anomala Allan, family Apiaceae (first published in Fl. N. Zeal. 1: 479 (1961)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mount Cook Speargrass, 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: Sarah Richardson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 9b, 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.
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