Photo: FabPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Creeping Spark Plant Care
Acmella buphthalmoides (Jacq.) Rich.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant stands out for its striking yellow-green leaves with prominent white veins. Originating from the tropical regions of South America, Acmella buphthalmoides is highly sought after by plant collectors for its eye-catching foliage and its ability to thrive in warm, humid climates.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Creeping Spark?
Water Creeping Spark every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Creeping Spark Native To?
What Is the Creeping Spark?
Creeping Spark (Acmella buphthalmoides) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Acmella genus. Creeping Spark is native to both North America and South America. Creeping Spark is also known as Acmella buphthalmoides, Andrieuxia mexicana, Anthemis americana.
Creeping Spark displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Creeping Spark produces small yellow or red button-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Creeping Spark?
Acmella buphthalmoides requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Creeping Spark Need?
Creeping Spark thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Creeping Spark Prefer?
Acmella buphthalmoides grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Creeping Spark prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Creeping Spark?
Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Creeping Spark to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Creeping Spark?
Feed Creeping Spark every 2 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 2 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 Creeping Spark?
Repot every 1-2 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 Creeping Spark?
Creeping Spark can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white acmella plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Creeping Spark Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Creeping Spark, 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 Creeping Spark?
Creeping Spark 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.
Keep exploring plants
Creeping Spark 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 Acmella genus — compare its care with other Acmella species on PlantoScan.
Acmella is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Creeping Spark 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: Acmella buphthalmoides (Jacq.) Rich., family Asteraceae (first published in Syn. Pl. 2: 473. 1807.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Creeping Spark, 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: Fab, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Creeping Spark Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species