Photo: sdashCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Slender-capsuled Spineflower Plant Care
Chorizanthe leptotheca Goodman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique pink bracts that resemble miniature hearts, this plant originates from California, USA. Plant collectors are drawn to Chorizanthe leptotheca for its striking and delicate appearance, making it a prized addition to any collection of rare and unusual plants.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Slender-capsuled Spineflower?
Water Slender-capsuled Spineflower every 7–14 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 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Slender-capsuled Spineflower Native To?
What Is the Slender-capsuled Spineflower?
Slender-capsuled Spineflower (Chorizanthe leptotheca) belongs to the Polygonaceae family within the Chorizanthe genus. Slender-capsuled Spineflower is native to the Peninsular Ranges of southern California and Baja California.
Slender-capsuled Spineflower displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Slender-capsuled Spineflower produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Slender-capsuled Spineflower?
Chorizanthe leptotheca 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 Slender-capsuled Spineflower Need?
Slender-capsuled Spineflower thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Slender-capsuled Spineflower Prefer?
Chorizanthe leptotheca grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Slender-capsuled Spineflower prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slender-capsuled Spineflower?
Well-draining sandy soil with low to moderate fertility. Good drainage is essential for Slender-capsuled Spineflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Slender-capsuled Spineflower?
Feed Slender-capsuled Spineflower 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 Slender-capsuled Spineflower?
Repot every 2-3 years 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 Slender-capsuled Spineflower?
Slender-capsuled Spineflower can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to short-horn spineflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Slender-capsuled Spineflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slender-capsuled Spineflower, 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 Slender-capsuled Spineflower?
Slender-capsuled Spineflower 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 Slender-capsuled Spineflower Need?
Slender-capsuled Spineflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Slender-capsuled Spineflower is native to the Peninsular Ranges of southern California and Baja California. In cooler regions, grow Slender-capsuled Spineflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Slender-capsuled Spineflower 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 Chorizanthe genus — compare its care with other Chorizanthe species on PlantoScan.
Chorizanthe is part of the Polygonaceae plant family — browse all Polygonaceae genera and species.
Slender-capsuled Spineflower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Chorizanthe Species
Other Chorizanthe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chorizanthe leptotheca Goodman, family Polygonaceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 21: 61 (1934)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slender-capsuled Spineflower, 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: sdash, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 10b, 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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