Photo: MichaelCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Desert lace Plant Care
Ammi huntii H.C.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ammi huntii is a delicate and airy plant with finely cut, lacy foliage that resembles intricate lace patterns. This charming plant is native to the deserts of North America and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unique appearance and ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Every 5–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Desert lace?
Water Desert lace every 5–7 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Desert lace?
Desert lace (Ammi huntii) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Ammi genus. Desert lace is native to North America, United States. Desert lace is also known as Laceflower.
Desert lace displays an upright, branching herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Desert lace produces small white compound umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Desert lace?
Ammi huntii requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Desert lace Need?
Desert lace thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Desert lace Prefer?
Ammi huntii grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Desert lace prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Desert lace?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Desert lace to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Desert lace?
Feed Desert lace every 6 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 6 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 Desert lace?
Repot annually 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 Desert lace?
Desert lace can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to greater ammi plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Desert lace Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Desert lace, 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 Desert lace?
Desert lace is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, caterpillars. 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 Desert lace Need?
Desert lace grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Desert lace is native to North America, United States. In cooler regions, grow Desert lace as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Desert lace 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 Ammi genus — compare its care with other Ammi species on PlantoScan.
Ammi is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Desert lace 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: Ammi huntii H.C.Watson, family Apiaceae (first published in London J. Bot. 6: 384 (1847)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Desert lace, 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: Michael, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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.
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