Acanthus mollis
TAXONOMY
FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusAcanthus
Zone7
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear's Breeches, is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is known for its large, deeply lobed leaves and tall flower spikes with white and purple flowers. The plant prefers temperate climates and can go dormant during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Bear's Breeches
Acanthus hispanicus
Acanthus latifolius
Acanthus longifolius
Acanthus niger
Acanthus platyphyllus
Acanthus spinosissimus
OVERVIEW
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Bear's Breeches thrive in moderate temperatures and prefer bright, indirect light. They require evenly moist soil and benefit from regular watering. The plant enjoys moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme cold.Soil
Acanthus mollis prefers well-draining loamy soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. A soil mix that includes organic matter will support its growth. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, typically every 4-6 weeks, to support healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repot Acanthus mollis every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Repot in the spring before the growing season begins.Propagation
Propagate Bear's Breeches by division or from root cuttings. The best time to propagate is in the spring or early summer. Ensure that each division has a healthy root system and plant them in well-draining soil.Pruning
Prune Acanthus mollis to remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flower spikes. Pruning helps maintain the plant's shape and encourages new growth. Perform pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.Toxicity
Acanthus mollis is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to handle plants with care and wash hands after gardening.Additional
Bear's Breeches can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which may damage the leaves. Regularly check for pests and take appropriate measures to control them. The plant can also spread aggressively in the garden, so monitor its growth and manage its spread if necessary.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
