Anathallis anfracta Plant Care
Anathallis anfracta (Luer) Karremans
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique spiral-shaped leaves, this orchid species from Ecuador and Peru is a must-have for plant collectors. The intricate pattern of the leaves makes Anathallis anfracta a visually striking addition to any collection, sure to catch the eye of even the most discerning enthusiast.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Anathallis anfracta?
Water Anathallis anfracta every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Anathallis anfracta?
Anathallis anfracta (Anathallis anfracta) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Anathallis genus. Anathallis anfracta is native to South America. Anathallis anfracta is also known as Pleurothallis anfracta.
Anathallis anfracta displays a compact, epiphytic orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Anathallis anfracta produces small, delicate flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Anathallis anfracta?
Anathallis anfracta requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Anathallis anfracta Need?
Anathallis anfracta thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Anathallis anfracta in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Anathallis anfracta Prefer?
Anathallis anfracta grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Anathallis anfracta prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Anathallis anfracta?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Anathallis anfracta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Anathallis anfracta?
Feed Anathallis anfracta every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Anathallis anfracta?
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 Anathallis anfracta?
Anathallis anfracta can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to anathallis adenochila plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Anathallis anfracta Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Anathallis anfracta, 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 Anathallis anfracta?
Anathallis anfracta is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Anathallis anfracta Need?
Anathallis anfracta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Anathallis anfracta is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Anathallis anfracta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Anathallis anfracta 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 Anathallis genus — compare its care with other Anathallis species on PlantoScan.
Anathallis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Anathallis anfracta thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Anathallis Species
Other Anathallis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anathallis anfracta (Luer) Karremans, family Orchidaceae (first published in Harvard Pap. Bot. 21: 186 (2016)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Anathallis anfracta, 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 10b – 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.
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