Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Leucas spiculifolia Plant Care
Leucas spiculifolia (Balf.f.) Gürke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its striking whorls of narrow lance-shaped leaves. Originating from India, Leucas spiculifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to attract butterflies and bees to the garden. It's a must-have for those looking to add some exotic flair to their plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Leucas spiculifolia?
Water Leucas spiculifolia 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Leucas spiculifolia Native To?
What Is the Leucas spiculifolia?
Leucas spiculifolia (Leucas spiculifolia) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Leucas genus. Leucas spiculifolia is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen.
Leucas spiculifolia displays a low spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Leucas spiculifolia produces small tubular white flowers in dense spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Leucas spiculifolia?
Leucas spiculifolia 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 Leucas spiculifolia Need?
Leucas spiculifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Leucas spiculifolia Prefer?
Leucas spiculifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Leucas spiculifolia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Leucas spiculifolia?
Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Leucas spiculifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Leucas spiculifolia?
Feed Leucas spiculifolia 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 Leucas spiculifolia?
Repot annually 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 Leucas spiculifolia?
Leucas spiculifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to leucas flagellifera plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Leucas spiculifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Leucas spiculifolia, 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 Leucas spiculifolia?
Leucas spiculifolia 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 Leucas spiculifolia Need?
Leucas spiculifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Leucas spiculifolia is native to the island of Socotra in Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Leucas spiculifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Leucas spiculifolia 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 Leucas genus — compare its care with other Leucas species on PlantoScan.
Leucas is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Leucas spiculifolia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Leucas Species
Other Leucas species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Leucas spiculifolia (Balf.f.) Gürke, family Lamiaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 22: 136 (1895)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Leucas spiculifolia, 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: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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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