Photo: Irisa HudsonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Takahe Plant Care
Aciphylla takahea W.R.B.Oliv.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant has sharp, spiky leaves that resemble a starburst, making it a standout addition to any garden. Originating from New Zealand, Aciphylla takahea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and rare availability in cultivation. Its architectural form and texture make it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Takahe?
Water Takahe 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 Takahe Native To?
What Is the Takahe?
Takahe (Aciphylla takahea) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Aciphylla genus. Takahe is native to New Zealand.
Takahe displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Takahe produces small white or greenish flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Takahe?
Aciphylla takahea 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 Takahe Need?
Takahe thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Takahe Prefer?
Aciphylla takahea grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Takahe prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Takahe?
Well-draining sandy soil with good organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Takahe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Takahe?
Feed Takahe 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 Takahe?
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 Takahe?
Takahe 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 Takahe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Takahe, 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 Takahe?
Takahe 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 Takahe Need?
Takahe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Takahe is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Takahe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Takahe 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.
Takahe 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 takahea W.R.B.Oliv., family Apiaceae (first published in Trans. Roy. Soc. New Zealand 84: 13 (1956)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Takahe, 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: Irisa Hudson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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.
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