Candlestick Plant Plant Care
Ischnosiphon cerotus Loes.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ischnosiphon cerotus is a unique plant known for its long, cylindrical stems resembling candles or rattails. It hails from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and is prized by plant enthusiasts for its unusual growth habit and exotic appearance.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to medium light
65°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Candlestick Plant?
Water Candlestick Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to medium light. It prefers temperatures of 65°F (18°C) and above and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Candlestick Plant?
Candlestick Plant (Ischnosiphon cerotus) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Ischnosiphon genus. Candlestick Plant is native to Southeast Asia. Candlestick Plant is also known as Ischnosiphon, Rattail Cactus.
Candlestick Plant displays a clumping, low rosette growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Candlestick Plant produces small, white flowers with colorful bracts.
How Often Should You Water a Candlestick Plant?
Ischnosiphon cerotus 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 Candlestick Plant Need?
Candlestick Plant thrives in bright indirect to medium light. Avoid placing Candlestick Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to medium light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Candlestick Plant Prefer?
Ischnosiphon cerotus grows best at temperatures of 65°F. Candlestick Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Candlestick Plant?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Candlestick Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Candlestick Plant?
Feed Candlestick Plant 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 Candlestick Plant?
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 Candlestick Plant?
Candlestick Plant can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to arouma plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Candlestick Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Candlestick Plant, 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 Candlestick Plant?
Candlestick Plant is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Candlestick Plant Need?
Candlestick Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Candlestick Plant is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Candlestick Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Candlestick Plant 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 Ischnosiphon genus — compare its care with other Ischnosiphon species on PlantoScan.
Ischnosiphon is part of the Marantaceae plant family — browse all Marantaceae genera and species.
Candlestick Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ischnosiphon Species
Other Ischnosiphon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ischnosiphon cerotus Loes., family Marantaceae (first published in Notizbl. Königl. Bot. Gart. Berlin 6: 278 (1915)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Candlestick Plant, 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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