Photo: Michael BerardozziCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Small-lobed Greenhood Plant Care
Pterostylis alobula (Hatch) L.B.Moore
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique orchid features striking green and white striped leaves, hailing from the forests of southeastern Australia. Plant collectors are drawn to Pterostylis alobula for its rare and intricate flower structure, resembling a small alien creature emerging from the ground.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Small-lobed Greenhood?
Water Small-lobed Greenhood every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Small-lobed Greenhood Native To?
What Is the Small-lobed Greenhood?
Small-lobed Greenhood (Pterostylis alobula) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Pterostylis genus. Small-lobed Greenhood is native to New Zealand.
Small-lobed Greenhood displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Small-lobed Greenhood produces unique, intricate orchid-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Small-lobed Greenhood?
Pterostylis alobula 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 Small-lobed Greenhood Need?
Small-lobed Greenhood thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Small-lobed Greenhood in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Small-lobed Greenhood Prefer?
Pterostylis alobula grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Small-lobed Greenhood prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Small-lobed Greenhood?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Small-lobed Greenhood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Small-lobed Greenhood?
Feed Small-lobed Greenhood 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 Small-lobed Greenhood?
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 Small-lobed Greenhood?
Small-lobed Greenhood can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abrupt greenhood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Small-lobed Greenhood Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Small-lobed Greenhood, 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 Small-lobed Greenhood?
Small-lobed Greenhood 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 Small-lobed Greenhood Need?
Small-lobed Greenhood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Small-lobed Greenhood is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Small-lobed Greenhood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Small-lobed Greenhood 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 Pterostylis genus — compare its care with other Pterostylis species on PlantoScan.
Pterostylis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Small-lobed Greenhood thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pterostylis Species
Other Pterostylis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pterostylis alobula (Hatch) L.B.Moore, family Orchidaceae (first published in New Zealand J. Bot. 6: 486 (1968)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Small-lobed Greenhood, 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: Michael Berardozzi, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Small-lobed Greenhood Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species