Arachnitis uniflora, the Spider-flower, is a fascinating, leafless, parasitic perennial herb found in southern South America. It has a single, short-lived flower.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, intense sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growth. Reduce in winter.
Humus-rich, well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and cold drafts.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. None required in winter.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune sparingly to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a tidy shape. Pinch back leggy stems in late spring to encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the plant.
Clean pruning tools to prevent disease transmission.
Propagate from seeds sown in spring or from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. For cuttings, use a rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining medium.
Seed germination can be erratic and requires patience and consistent moisture.
Repot young plants annually in spring, moving them to a slightly larger container. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mixture with added perlite.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Spider-Flower (Arachnitis uniflora)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Corsiaceae |
| Genus | Arachnitis |
| Species | Arachnitis uniflora |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
