Photo: Flavien SaboureauCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Long-leaved Snowflake Plant Care
Acis longifolia M.Roem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Acis longifolia is easily recognized by its long, slender leaves that can reach up to 50cm in length. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its delicate beauty and charming white flowers that bloom in early spring. Its elegant foliage and graceful appearance make it a desirable addition to any plant collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Long-leaved Snowflake?
Plant Long-leaved Snowflake in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 8a–10b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Long-leaved Snowflake Native To?
What Is the Long-leaved Snowflake?
Long-leaved Snowflake (Acis longifolia) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Acis genus. Long-leaved Snowflake is native to Corsica.
Long-leaved Snowflake displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Long-leaved Snowflake produces small white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Long-leaved Snowflake?
Water a young or newly planted Long-leaved Snowflake every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Long-leaved Snowflake Need?
Long-leaved Snowflake thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Long-leaved Snowflake Prefer?
Acis longifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Long-leaved Snowflake prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Long-leaved Snowflake?
Well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Long-leaved Snowflake to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Long-leaved Snowflake?
Feed Long-leaved Snowflake every 6 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 6 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 Long-leaved Snowflake?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Long-leaved Snowflake is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 10b.
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 Long-leaved Snowflake?
Long-leaved Snowflake can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 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 Long-leaved Snowflake?
Prune Long-leaved Snowflake 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 Long-leaved Snowflake in Winter?
Long-leaved Snowflake is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Long-leaved Snowflake?
Long-leaved Snowflake can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds.
Is the Long-leaved Snowflake Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Long-leaved Snowflake, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
Toxic to cats and dogs.
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 Long-leaved Snowflake?
Long-leaved Snowflake is susceptible to aphids, thrips, 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 Long-leaved Snowflake Need?
Long-leaved Snowflake grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Long-leaved Snowflake is native to Corsica.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Long-leaved Snowflake 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 Acis genus — compare its care with other Acis species on PlantoScan.
Acis is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Long-leaved Snowflake thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acis longifolia M.Roem., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Fam. Nat. Syn. Monogr. 4: 25 (1847)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Long-leaved Snowflake, 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: Flavien Saboureau, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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