Acleisanthes parvifolia Plant Care
Acleisanthes parvifolia (Torr.) R.A.Levin
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Acleisanthes parvifolia, common names littleleaf moonpod and Big Bend trumpets, is a plant species native to northeastern Chihuahua, Mexico, and western Texas, United States. In Texas, is known from only 4 counties: Culberson, Hudspeth, Brewster and Presidio.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Plant Acleisanthes parvifolia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Acleisanthes parvifolia Native To?
What Is the Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Acleisanthes parvifolia (Acleisanthes parvifolia) belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family within the Acleisanthes genus. Acleisanthes parvifolia is native to northeastern Chihuahua, Mexico, and western Texas, United States.
Acleisanthes parvifolia displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Acleisanthes parvifolia produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Water a young or newly planted Acleisanthes parvifolia 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 Acleisanthes parvifolia Need?
Acleisanthes parvifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Acleisanthes parvifolia Prefer?
Acleisanthes parvifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Acleisanthes parvifolia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Acleisanthes parvifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Feed Acleisanthes parvifolia 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 Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Acleisanthes parvifolia is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Acleisanthes parvifolia can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Prune Acleisanthes parvifolia 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 Acleisanthes parvifolia in Winter?
Acleisanthes parvifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Acleisanthes parvifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to acleisanthes crassifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Acleisanthes parvifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Acleisanthes parvifolia, 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 Acleisanthes parvifolia?
Acleisanthes parvifolia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Acleisanthes parvifolia Need?
Acleisanthes parvifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Acleisanthes parvifolia is native to northeastern Chihuahua, Mexico, and western Texas, United States. In cooler regions, grow Acleisanthes parvifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Acleisanthes parvifolia 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 Acleisanthes genus — compare its care with other Acleisanthes species on PlantoScan.
Acleisanthes is part of the Nyctaginaceae plant family — browse all Nyctaginaceae genera and species.
Acleisanthes parvifolia 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: Acleisanthes parvifolia (Torr.) R.A.Levin, family Nyctaginaceae (first published in Novon 12(1): 62. 2002 [2 April 2002]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Acleisanthes parvifolia, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.
