Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea)

Best soil for a Spilanthes

Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) is listed for soil that is well drained and moist. The drainage entry in its source reads Good Drainage. Those two descriptions are recorded together for this plant. A mature plant reaches 1 to 1.5 ft (0.3–0.46 m) in height. Its spread is also 1 to 1.5 ft (0.3–0.46 m).

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist¹

Temperature and humidity

Humidity is recorded as high for spilanthes, the common name for Acmella oleracea. In its native environment, the relative humidity is 85%, a figure the source gives alongside heavy rainfall. The average temperature there is 82 °F (28 °C). The USDA hardiness zones listed for this plant run from 9a to 11b.

• Humidity: High^1,1

How to propagate a Spilanthes

Spilanthes can be propagated by seed or by stem cuttings. No other propagation method is listed for it. The plant type is recorded as annual, and its growth rate is listed as rapid. Its native range is recorded with the code BZL.

• Propagation: Seed and stem cuttings¹

Common problems

The listing for spilanthes records no significant pest problems. It records no significant disease problems either. No individual pests or diseases are named for this plant. Full sun is preferred outdoors, and part shade is also listed.

• Common pests: ¹
• Common diseases: ¹

Questions and answers

How much sun does spilanthes need outdoors?

Full sun is preferred, which the source defines as 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Part shade is also listed, meaning direct sun for only part of the day, 2 to 6 hours. The soil is described as well drained and moist.

Where can spilanthes grow outdoors?

It is listed for USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b. Humidity in its native environment is recorded as high, at 85%, with an average temperature of 82 °F (28 °C).

How big does spilanthes get?

A mature plant is 1 to 1.5 ft (0.3–0.46 m) tall and the same in width. Its growth rate is listed as rapid, and it is classed as an annual.