Spermolepis hawaiiensis Plant Care
Spermolepis hawaiiensis H.Wolff
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Spermolepis hawaiiensis is a rare species of flowering plant in the carrot family known by the common name Hawai'i scaleseed. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known from the islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Spermolepis hawaiiensis?
Water Spermolepis hawaiiensis every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spermolepis hawaiiensis Native To?
What Is the Spermolepis hawaiiensis?
Spermolepis hawaiiensis (Spermolepis hawaiiensis) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Spermolepis genus. Spermolepis hawaiiensis is native to Hawaii.
Spermolepis hawaiiensis displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spermolepis hawaiiensis produces small clusters of white or pink flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spermolepis hawaiiensis?
Spermolepis hawaiiensis 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 Spermolepis hawaiiensis Need?
Spermolepis hawaiiensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spermolepis hawaiiensis Prefer?
Spermolepis hawaiiensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Spermolepis hawaiiensis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spermolepis hawaiiensis?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Spermolepis hawaiiensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spermolepis hawaiiensis?
Feed Spermolepis hawaiiensis 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 Spermolepis hawaiiensis?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Spermolepis hawaiiensis?
Spermolepis hawaiiensis can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smooth spermolepis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spermolepis hawaiiensis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spermolepis hawaiiensis, 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 Spermolepis hawaiiensis?
Spermolepis hawaiiensis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 Spermolepis hawaiiensis Need?
Spermolepis hawaiiensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Spermolepis hawaiiensis is native to Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Spermolepis hawaiiensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Spermolepis hawaiiensis 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 Spermolepis genus — compare its care with other Spermolepis species on PlantoScan.
Spermolepis is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Spermolepis hawaiiensis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Spermolepis hawaiiensis H.Wolff, family Apiaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 17: 440 (1921)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spermolepis hawaiiensis, 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 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.
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