Wijkia extenuata Plant Care

Wijkia extenuata (Brid.) H.A.Crum

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Wijkia extenuata, commonly known as spear moss or spiky wiki, is a species of moss from the family Pylaisiadelphaceae. It can be divided into two varieties Wijkia extenuata var.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Wijkia extenuata?

Water Wijkia extenuata every 7–10 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 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Wijkia extenuata?

Wijkia extenuata (Wijkia extenuata) belongs to the Pylaisiadelphaceae family within the Wijkia genus.

Wijkia extenuata displays a tall, upright perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wijkia extenuata produces showy clusters of small, white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Wijkia extenuata?

Wijkia extenuata 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 Wijkia extenuata Need?

Wijkia extenuata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wijkia extenuata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wijkia extenuata Prefer?

Wijkia extenuata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Wijkia extenuata 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 Wijkia extenuata?

Loamy, well-draining soil with added peat moss and perlite for improved aeration. Good drainage is essential for Wijkia extenuata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Wijkia extenuata?

Feed Wijkia extenuata 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 Wijkia extenuata?

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 Wijkia extenuata?

Wijkia extenuata can be propagated through division, offsets, and seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wijkia carlottae plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Wijkia extenuata Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Wijkia extenuata, 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 Wijkia extenuata?

Wijkia extenuata is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. 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 Wijkia extenuata Need?

Wijkia extenuata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Wijkia extenuata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Wijkia extenuata 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 Wijkia genus — compare its care with other Wijkia species on PlantoScan.

Wijkia is part of the Pylaisiadelphaceae plant family — browse all Pylaisiadelphaceae genera and species.

Wijkia extenuata 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: Wijkia extenuata (Brid.) H.A.Crum, family Pylaisiadelphaceae (first published in Bryologist 74: 171 1971) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wijkia extenuata, 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 13b, 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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