Photo: Tim ParkCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spaniard Plant Care
Aciphylla squarrosa J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its sharp, spiky leaves resembling a starburst, this plant originates from New Zealand. Aciphylla squarrosa is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique architectural and sculptural qualities, adding an exotic touch to any garden or landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spaniard?
Water Spaniard 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 Spaniard Native To?
What Is the Spaniard?
Spaniard (Aciphylla squarrosa) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Aciphylla genus. Spaniard is native to New Zealand. Spaniard is also known as Wild Spaniard.
Spaniard displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spaniard produces small white or greenish flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spaniard?
Aciphylla squarrosa 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 Spaniard Need?
Spaniard thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spaniard Prefer?
Aciphylla squarrosa grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Spaniard prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spaniard?
Well-draining sandy soil with good organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Spaniard to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spaniard?
Feed Spaniard 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 Spaniard?
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 Spaniard?
Spaniard can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mount cook speargrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spaniard Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spaniard, 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 Spaniard?
Spaniard 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 Spaniard Need?
Spaniard grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Spaniard is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Spaniard 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.
Spaniard 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 squarrosa J.R.Forst. & G.Forst., family Apiaceae (first published in Char. Gen. Pl. 68. 1775 [29 Nov 1775]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spaniard, 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: Tim Park, 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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