Pleurothallis johnsonii Plant Care
Acianthera johnsonii (Ames) Pridgeon & M.W.Chase
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its tiny, intricate leaves resembling delicate lacework, this plant hails from the cloud forests of Brazil. Plant collectors are drawn to the Acianthera johnsonii for its diminutive size and rarity, making it a coveted addition to any orchid collection.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Pleurothallis johnsonii?
Water Pleurothallis johnsonii every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Pleurothallis johnsonii?
Pleurothallis johnsonii (Acianthera johnsonii) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Acianthera genus. Pleurothallis johnsonii is native to Belize and Guatemala. Pleurothallis johnsonii is also known as Acianthera crinita.
Pleurothallis johnsonii displays a compact, epiphytic orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Pleurothallis johnsonii produces small, colorful orchid blooms in various hues.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pleurothallis johnsonii?
Acianthera johnsonii requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pleurothallis johnsonii Need?
Pleurothallis johnsonii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pleurothallis johnsonii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pleurothallis johnsonii Prefer?
Acianthera johnsonii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Pleurothallis johnsonii prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pleurothallis johnsonii?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Pleurothallis johnsonii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pleurothallis johnsonii?
Feed Pleurothallis johnsonii 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 Pleurothallis johnsonii?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. 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 Pleurothallis johnsonii?
Pleurothallis johnsonii can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pleurothallis circumplexa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pleurothallis johnsonii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pleurothallis johnsonii, 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 Pleurothallis johnsonii?
Pleurothallis johnsonii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Pleurothallis johnsonii Need?
Pleurothallis johnsonii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pleurothallis johnsonii is native to Belize and Guatemala. In cooler regions, grow Pleurothallis johnsonii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Pleurothallis johnsonii 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 Acianthera genus — compare its care with other Acianthera species on PlantoScan.
Acianthera is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Pleurothallis johnsonii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Acianthera Species
Other Acianthera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acianthera johnsonii (Ames) Pridgeon & M.W.Chase, family Orchidaceae (first published in Lindleyana 16(4): 244 (2001).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pleurothallis johnsonii, 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 10b – 11b, 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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