Cirrhopetalum gracillimum Plant Care
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum Rolfe
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique orchid species features long, slender, pendulous green leaves that give it a graceful appearance. Cirrhopetalum gracillimum is native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its delicate and unusual flowers that resemble spider legs, making it a prized addition to any orchid collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Cirrhopetalum gracillimum?
Water Cirrhopetalum gracillimum 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 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cirrhopetalum gracillimum Native To?
What Is the Cirrhopetalum gracillimum?
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum (Cirrhopetalum gracillimum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Cirrhopetalum genus. Cirrhopetalum gracillimum is native to New Guinea, New Caledonia, Indonesia, Malaysia and part of tropical North Queensland. Cirrhopetalum gracillimum is also known as Bulbophyllum gracillimum.
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cirrhopetalum gracillimum produces small, intricate flowers with unique shapes and colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cirrhopetalum gracillimum?
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum 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 Cirrhopetalum gracillimum Need?
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cirrhopetalum gracillimum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cirrhopetalum gracillimum Prefer?
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Cirrhopetalum gracillimum prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cirrhopetalum gracillimum?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Cirrhopetalum gracillimum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cirrhopetalum gracillimum?
Feed Cirrhopetalum gracillimum 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 Cirrhopetalum gracillimum?
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 Cirrhopetalum gracillimum?
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation.
Is the Cirrhopetalum gracillimum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cirrhopetalum gracillimum, 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 Cirrhopetalum gracillimum?
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Cirrhopetalum gracillimum Need?
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Cirrhopetalum gracillimum is native to New Guinea, New Caledonia, Indonesia, Malaysia and part of tropical North Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Cirrhopetalum gracillimum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum 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 Cirrhopetalum genus (family Orchidaceae) — search all Cirrhopetalum species in the plant lookup.
Cirrhopetalum gracillimum 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: Cirrhopetalum gracillimum Rolfe, family Orchidaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1895: 34 (1895)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cirrhopetalum gracillimum, 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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