African Spear Plant Care
Afropectinariella subulata (Lindl.) M.Simo & Stévart
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Afropectinariella subulata is known for its distinctive needle-like leaves that are bright green in color. Originating from Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in low light conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African Spear?
Water African Spear every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the African Spear Native To?
What Is the African Spear?
African Spear (Afropectinariella subulata) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Afropectinariella genus. African Spear is native to Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. African Spear is also known as Needle Leaf Plant.
African Spear displays an epiphytic, clumping orchids growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. African Spear produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various shapes and sizes.
How Often Should You Water a African Spear?
Afropectinariella subulata 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 African Spear Need?
African Spear thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African Spear in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Spear Prefer?
Afropectinariella subulata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. African Spear prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Spear?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for African Spear to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Spear?
Feed African Spear 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 African Spear?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. 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 African Spear?
African Spear can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to afropectinariella doratophylla plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Spear Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Spear, 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 African Spear?
African Spear is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. 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 African Spear Need?
African Spear grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African Spear is native to Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. In cooler regions, grow African Spear as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
African Spear 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 Afropectinariella genus — compare its care with other Afropectinariella species on PlantoScan.
Afropectinariella is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
African Spear 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: Afropectinariella subulata (Lindl.) M.Simo & Stévart, family Orchidaceae (first published in PhytoKeys 96: 83. 2018 [13 Apr 2018] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Spear, 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 11a – 12b, 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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