Azorella (Azorella polaris)

Photo: M RutherfordCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Azorella Plant Care

Azorella polaris (Hombr.) G.M.Plunkett & A.N.Nicolas

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This unique plant is characterized by its compact rosettes of small, silvery-grey, needle-like leaves. Azorella polaris originates from the high alpine regions of South America, specifically in the Andes Mountains. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its rare and intriguing appearance, making it a coveted addition to any collection.

🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

40–70°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Azorella?

Water Azorella every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 40–70°F (4–21°C) and 50–70% humidity.

Where Is the Azorella Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Azorella?

Azorella (Azorella polaris) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Azorella genus. Azorella is native to the subantarctic islands of New Zealand and to Australia's Macquarie Island.

Azorella displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Azorella produces small clusters of tiny white or yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Azorella?

Azorella polaris 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 Azorella Need?

Azorella thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Azorella Prefer?

Azorella polaris grows best at temperatures of 40–70°F. Azorella prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

40–70°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Azorella?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Azorella to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Do You Repot a Azorella?

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 Azorella?

Azorella can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cushion plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Azorella Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Azorella, 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 Azorella?

Azorella 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Azorella Need?

Azorella grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Azorella is native to the subantarctic islands of New Zealand and to Australia's Macquarie Island.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 8a – 9b

Keep exploring plants

Azorella 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 Azorella genus — compare its care with other Azorella species on PlantoScan.

Azorella is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.

Azorella thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Azorella Species

Other Azorella species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Azorella polaris (Hombr.) G.M.Plunkett & A.N.Nicolas, family Apiaceae (first published in Brittonia 69: 47 (2016)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Azorella, 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: M Rutherford, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 9b, 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Azorella 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species