Photo: Elliot GreinerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spider-Wisp Plant Care
Blepharis edulis Pers.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Blepharis edulis, also known as "Abyssinian cabbage" is a unique plant with elongated green leaves that have a slightly fuzzy texture. It originates from East Africa and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its edible leaves that are rich in nutrients.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spider-Wisp?
Water Spider-Wisp every 7–10 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.
What Is the Spider-Wisp?
Spider-Wisp (Blepharis edulis) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Blepharis genus. Spider-Wisp is native to India, Pakistan and Iran as well as Egypt.
Spider-Wisp displays a low spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spider-Wisp produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spider-Wisp?
Blepharis edulis 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 Spider-Wisp Need?
Spider-Wisp thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Spider-Wisp in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spider-Wisp Prefer?
Blepharis edulis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Spider-Wisp 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 Spider-Wisp?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Spider-Wisp to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spider-Wisp?
Feed Spider-Wisp 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 Spider-Wisp?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Spider-Wisp?
Spider-Wisp can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to maderaspatam plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spider-Wisp Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spider-Wisp, 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 Spider-Wisp?
Spider-Wisp is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Spider-Wisp Need?
Spider-Wisp grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Spider-Wisp is native to India, Pakistan and Iran as well as Egypt. In cooler regions, grow Spider-Wisp as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Spider-Wisp 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 Blepharis genus — compare its care with other Blepharis species on PlantoScan.
Blepharis is part of the Acanthaceae plant family — browse all Acanthaceae genera and species.
Spider-Wisp 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: Blepharis edulis Pers., family Acanthaceae (first published in Syn. Pl. 2: 180 (1806)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spider-Wisp, 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: Elliot Greiner, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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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