Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Prickly-seed Plant Care
Crypsis aculeata Aiton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique tufts of needle-like leaves that resemble a porcupine's quills. Originally from South Africa, Crypsis aculeata is sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to tolerate drought conditions, making it a low-maintenance addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Prickly-seed?
Water Prickly-seed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Prickly-seed?
Prickly-seed (Crypsis aculeata) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Crypsis genus. Prickly-seed is native to South Africa. Prickly-seed is also known as Annual Hedgehog-grass.
Prickly-seed displays a compact, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Prickly-seed produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Prickly-seed?
Crypsis aculeata 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 Prickly-seed Need?
Prickly-seed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Prickly-seed Prefer?
Crypsis aculeata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Prickly-seed prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Prickly-seed?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Prickly-seed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Prickly-seed?
Feed Prickly-seed 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 Prickly-seed?
Repot every 1-2 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 Prickly-seed?
Prickly-seed can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mouse-tail plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Prickly-seed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Prickly-seed, 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 Prickly-seed?
Prickly-seed is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, 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 Prickly-seed Need?
Prickly-seed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Prickly-seed is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Prickly-seed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Prickly-seed 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 Crypsis genus (family Poaceae) — search all Crypsis species in the plant lookup.
Prickly-seed 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: Crypsis aculeata Aiton, family Poaceae (first published in Hort. Kew. 1: 48 (1789)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Prickly-seed, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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