Pleurothallis acicularis Plant Care
Specklinia acicularis (Ames & C.Schweinf.) Pridgeon & M.W.Chase
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Specklinia acicularis is a small orchid known for its needle-like leaves that form dense clusters. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its compact growth habit and charming appearance.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Pleurothallis acicularis?
Water Pleurothallis acicularis every 7–10 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 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Pleurothallis acicularis?
Pleurothallis acicularis (Specklinia acicularis) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Specklinia genus. Pleurothallis acicularis is native to Central America, South America. Pleurothallis acicularis is also known as Acianthera acicularis.
Pleurothallis acicularis displays a clumping epiphyte growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Pleurothallis acicularis produces small colorful flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pleurothallis acicularis?
Specklinia acicularis 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 Pleurothallis acicularis Need?
Pleurothallis acicularis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pleurothallis acicularis 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 acicularis Prefer?
Specklinia acicularis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Pleurothallis acicularis prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pleurothallis acicularis?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Pleurothallis acicularis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pleurothallis acicularis?
Feed Pleurothallis acicularis 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 acicularis?
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 acicularis?
Pleurothallis acicularis can be propagated through division, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to specklinia acrisepala plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pleurothallis acicularis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pleurothallis acicularis, 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 acicularis?
Pleurothallis acicularis is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. 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 acicularis Need?
Pleurothallis acicularis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pleurothallis acicularis is native to Central America, South America. In cooler regions, grow Pleurothallis acicularis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Pleurothallis acicularis 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 Specklinia genus — compare its care with other Specklinia species on PlantoScan.
Specklinia is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Pleurothallis acicularis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Specklinia Species
Other Specklinia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Specklinia acicularis (Ames & C.Schweinf.) Pridgeon & M.W.Chase, family Orchidaceae (first published in Lindleyana 16(4): 256 (2001).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pleurothallis acicularis, 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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