Photo: Andrew ThornhillCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Racopilum cuspidigerum Plant Care
Racopilum cuspidigerum (Schwägr.) Ångström
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique triangular-shaped leaves and sharp cuspidate tips, this plant originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Racopilum cuspidigerum for its striking appearance and rare presence in cultivation, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 3–5 days
Low to medium indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Racopilum cuspidigerum?
Water Racopilum cuspidigerum every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Racopilum cuspidigerum Native To?
What Is the Racopilum cuspidigerum?
Racopilum cuspidigerum (Racopilum cuspidigerum) belongs to the Racopilaceae family within the Racopilum genus. Racopilum cuspidigerum is native to Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Malesia and Oceania. Racopilum cuspidigerum is also known as Sharp-toothed Racopilum.
Racopilum cuspidigerum displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Racopilum cuspidigerum produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Racopilum cuspidigerum?
Racopilum cuspidigerum requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Racopilum cuspidigerum Need?
Racopilum cuspidigerum thrives in low to medium indirect light. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Racopilum cuspidigerum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Racopilum cuspidigerum Prefer?
Racopilum cuspidigerum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Racopilum cuspidigerum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Racopilum cuspidigerum?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Racopilum cuspidigerum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Racopilum cuspidigerum?
Feed Racopilum cuspidigerum 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 Racopilum cuspidigerum?
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 Racopilum cuspidigerum?
Racopilum cuspidigerum can be propagated through spores, division of clumps.
Is the Racopilum cuspidigerum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Racopilum cuspidigerum, 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 Racopilum cuspidigerum?
Racopilum cuspidigerum is susceptible to fungal diseases, spider mites. 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 Racopilum cuspidigerum Need?
Racopilum cuspidigerum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Racopilum cuspidigerum is native to Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Malesia and Oceania. In cooler regions, grow Racopilum cuspidigerum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Racopilum cuspidigerum 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 Racopilum genus — compare its care with other Racopilum species on PlantoScan.
Racopilum is part of the Racopilaceae plant family — browse all Racopilaceae genera and species.
Racopilum cuspidigerum copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Racopilum cuspidigerum (Schwägr.) Ångström, family Racopilaceae (first published in Öfvers. Förh. Kongl. Svenska Vetensk.-Akad. 29(4): 10 1872) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Racopilum cuspidigerum, 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: Andrew Thornhill, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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
Racopilum cuspidigerum 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