
Photo: Billjones94CC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Lanceleaf Acmella Plant Care
Acmella lanceolata Raf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's elongated lance-shaped leaves have a striking glossy appearance. Originating from South America, Acmella lanceolata's vibrant green foliage and unique growth habit make it a prized addition to any plant collector's collection.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lanceleaf Acmella?
Plant Lanceleaf Acmella in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10a–11b) and water a young shrub every 3–5 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Lanceleaf Acmella?
Lanceleaf Acmella (Acmella lanceolata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Acmella genus. Lanceleaf Acmella is native to Brazil, Peru. Lanceleaf Acmella is also known as Acmella lanceolata, Amellus carolinianus, Anthemis cotula.
Lanceleaf Acmella displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lanceleaf Acmella produces small yellow or red button-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lanceleaf Acmella?
Water a young or newly planted Lanceleaf Acmella every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Lanceleaf Acmella Need?
Lanceleaf Acmella thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lanceleaf Acmella Prefer?
Acmella lanceolata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Lanceleaf Acmella prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lanceleaf Acmella?
Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lanceleaf Acmella to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lanceleaf Acmella?
Feed Lanceleaf Acmella every 2 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 2 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 Lanceleaf Acmella?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Lanceleaf Acmella is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.
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 Lanceleaf Acmella?
Lanceleaf Acmella can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Lanceleaf Acmella?
Prune Lanceleaf Acmella 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 Lanceleaf Acmella in Winter?
Lanceleaf Acmella is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Lanceleaf Acmella?
Lanceleaf Acmella 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 Lanceleaf Acmella Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lanceleaf Acmella, 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 Lanceleaf Acmella?
Lanceleaf Acmella 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 Lanceleaf Acmella Need?
Lanceleaf Acmella grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Lanceleaf Acmella is native to Brazil, Peru. In cooler regions, grow Lanceleaf Acmella as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Lanceleaf Acmella 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.
Lanceleaf Acmella 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 lanceolata Raf., family Asteraceae (first published in New Fl. N. Amer. 1: 52. 1836) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lanceleaf Acmella, 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: Billjones94, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, 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.
