Photo: Qwert1234Public domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Cacalia hastata Plant Care
Parasenecio hastatus subsp. tanakae (Franch. & Sav.) H.Koyama
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Parasenecio hastatus subsp. tanakae is characterized by its uniquely shaped leaves that resemble miniature swords. Originating from Japan, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its rare and exotic appearance, adding a touch of intrigue to any indoor garden or terrarium.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
50–70°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cacalia hastata?
Water Cacalia hastata every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cacalia hastata Native To?
What Is the Cacalia hastata?
Cacalia hastata (Parasenecio hastatus subsp. tanakae) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Parasenecio genus. Cacalia hastata is native to China and East Asia. Cacalia hastata is also known as Cacalia kitamurae, Cacalia nantaica, Hasteola hastata.
Cacalia hastata displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cacalia hastata produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cacalia hastata?
Parasenecio hastatus subsp. tanakae 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 Cacalia hastata Need?
Cacalia hastata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cacalia hastata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cacalia hastata Prefer?
Parasenecio hastatus subsp. tanakae grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Cacalia hastata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cacalia hastata?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Cacalia hastata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cacalia hastata?
Feed Cacalia hastata 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 Cacalia hastata?
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 Cacalia hastata?
Cacalia hastata can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cacalia hastata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cacalia hastata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cacalia hastata, 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 Cacalia hastata?
Cacalia hastata is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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 Cacalia hastata Need?
Cacalia hastata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Cacalia hastata is native to China and East Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Cacalia hastata 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 Parasenecio genus — compare its care with other Parasenecio species on PlantoScan.
Parasenecio is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Cacalia hastata 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: Parasenecio hastatus subsp. tanakae (Franch. & Sav.) H.Koyama, family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Jap. 3b: 52 (1995)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cacalia hastata, 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: Qwert1234, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, 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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