Araca Stenopadus Plant Care
Stenopadus aracaensis Pruski
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Stenopadus aracaensis is a striking plant known for its vibrant red and green leaves that resemble fireworks bursting in the sky. Native to Brazil, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique leaf shape and coloration, making it a standout addition to any indoor garden.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Araca Stenopadus?
Water Araca Stenopadus every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Araca Stenopadus?
Araca Stenopadus (Stenopadus aracaensis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Stenopadus genus. Araca Stenopadus is native to Brazil. Araca Stenopadus is also known as Brazilian Firecracker.
Araca Stenopadus displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Araca Stenopadus produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Araca Stenopadus?
Stenopadus aracaensis requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Araca Stenopadus Need?
Araca Stenopadus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Araca Stenopadus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Araca Stenopadus Prefer?
Stenopadus aracaensis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Araca Stenopadus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Araca Stenopadus?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Araca Stenopadus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Araca Stenopadus?
Feed Araca Stenopadus 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 Araca Stenopadus?
Repot every 1-2 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 Araca Stenopadus?
Araca Stenopadus can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to andean stenopadus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Araca Stenopadus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Araca Stenopadus, 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 Araca Stenopadus?
Araca Stenopadus is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Araca Stenopadus 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 Stenopadus genus — compare its care with other Stenopadus species on PlantoScan.
Stenopadus is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Araca Stenopadus 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: Stenopadus aracaensis Pruski, family Asteraceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 76: 999, figs. 2D, 4, 5 (1989)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Araca Stenopadus, 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.
- 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
Araca Stenopadus 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