Photo: Guillaume DelaitreCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Pitcairnia spicata Plant Care
Pitcairnia spicata (Lam.) Mez
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, this striking plant is known for its long, sword-shaped leaves with sharp, toothed edges. Plant collectors are drawn to Pitcairnia spicata for its unique and eye-catching foliage, making it a prized addition to any tropical or exotic plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pitcairnia spicata?
Water Pitcairnia spicata every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Pitcairnia spicata Native To?
What Is the Pitcairnia spicata?
Pitcairnia spicata (Pitcairnia spicata) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Pitcairnia genus. Pitcairnia spicata is native to the Island of Martinique in the West Indies. Pitcairnia spicata is also known as Spiked Pitcairnia.
Pitcairnia spicata displays a rosette-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pitcairnia spicata produces colorful bracts with small, tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pitcairnia spicata?
Pitcairnia spicata 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 Pitcairnia spicata Need?
Pitcairnia spicata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pitcairnia spicata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pitcairnia spicata Prefer?
Pitcairnia spicata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Pitcairnia spicata 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 Pitcairnia spicata?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Pitcairnia spicata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pitcairnia spicata?
Feed Pitcairnia spicata 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 Pitcairnia spicata?
Repot every 2-3 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 Pitcairnia spicata?
Pitcairnia spicata can be propagated through offsets (pups), seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pitcairnia bifrons plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pitcairnia spicata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pitcairnia spicata, 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 Pitcairnia spicata?
Pitcairnia spicata is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Pitcairnia spicata Need?
Pitcairnia spicata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pitcairnia spicata is native to the Island of Martinique in the West Indies. In cooler regions, grow Pitcairnia spicata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Pitcairnia spicata 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 Pitcairnia genus — compare its care with other Pitcairnia species on PlantoScan.
Pitcairnia is part of the Bromeliaceae plant family — browse all Bromeliaceae genera and species.
Pitcairnia spicata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pitcairnia Species
Other Pitcairnia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pitcairnia spicata (Lam.) Mez, family Bromeliaceae (first published in Pflanzenr. (Engler) IV. 32(Heft 100): 234 (12 Feb. 1935).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pitcairnia spicata, 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: Guillaume Delaitre, 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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