Neonelsonia angustifolia (Neonelsonia acuminata)

Photo: Skjold SøndergaardCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Neonelsonia angustifolia Plant Care

Neonelsonia acuminata (Benth.) J.M.Coult. & Rose ex Drude

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Neonelsonia acuminata is a striking plant known for its long, narrow leaves that are a vibrant shade of green. Originating from tropical regions in South America, this plant thrives in humid environments and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unique leaf shape and color.

🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

70–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Neonelsonia angustifolia?

Water Neonelsonia angustifolia every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 70–85°F (21–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

Where Is the Neonelsonia angustifolia Native To?

Native range7 countries

What Is the Neonelsonia angustifolia?

Neonelsonia angustifolia (Neonelsonia acuminata) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Neonelsonia genus. Neonelsonia angustifolia is native to southern Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panamá, Peru and Venezuela. Neonelsonia angustifolia is also known as Narrow-leaved neonelsonia.

Neonelsonia angustifolia displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Neonelsonia angustifolia produces small clusters of white or pink flowers in umbrella-shaped inflorescences.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Neonelsonia angustifolia?

Neonelsonia acuminata 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 Neonelsonia angustifolia Need?

Neonelsonia angustifolia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Neonelsonia angustifolia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Neonelsonia angustifolia Prefer?

Neonelsonia acuminata grows best at temperatures of 70–85°F. Neonelsonia angustifolia prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

70–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Neonelsonia angustifolia?

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Neonelsonia angustifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Neonelsonia angustifolia?

Feed Neonelsonia angustifolia 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 Neonelsonia angustifolia?

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 Neonelsonia angustifolia?

Neonelsonia angustifolia can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

Is the Neonelsonia angustifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Neonelsonia angustifolia, 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 Neonelsonia angustifolia?

Neonelsonia angustifolia 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 Neonelsonia angustifolia Need?

Neonelsonia angustifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Neonelsonia angustifolia is native to southern Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panamá, Peru and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Neonelsonia angustifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 9a – 10b

Keep exploring plants

Neonelsonia angustifolia 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 Neonelsonia genus — compare its care with other Neonelsonia species on PlantoScan.

Neonelsonia is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.

Neonelsonia angustifolia 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: Neonelsonia acuminata (Benth.) J.M.Coult. & Rose ex Drude, family Apiaceae (first published in Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(8): 167 (1898)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Neonelsonia angustifolia, 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: Skjold Søndergaard, 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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