Strophanthus gratus — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Strophanthus gratus

Strophanthus Gratus

Updated · 69 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Strophanthus gratus is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae.

A note from PlantMom

Ouabain is highly disease resistant and generally not prone to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Ouabaint is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not need much care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Strophanthus Gratus.

Light

Ouabain is native to habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows under natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, reflecting its flexible and hardy character.

Water

Ouabain thrives in a humid environment similar to its natural tropical habitat. For optimal growth, it should be watered every 1 to 2 weeks. Being an evergreen plant, ouabain efficiently retains water, which makes it well-suited for indoor cultivation where humidity can be controlled.

Temperature

Ouabain comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a consistent thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically cannot withstand cold and requires warmer conditions for growth. If the surrounding temperature drops too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Ouabain is in early spring, when it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are large, vivid, and long-lasting. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.

Pruning

Ouabain is a plant known for its glossy leaves and fragrant flowers. To maintain its health and appearance, it's important to prune it in early spring. When pruning, focus on removing dead wood and thinning out crowded branches. Cut back to outward-facing buds to improve airflow and encourage more blooms. Regular pruning also helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools for effective cuts and to minimize the risk of infection.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Vine
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Strophanthus
Family
Apocynaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
3.05 m to 4.88 m
Mature Spread
2.13 m to 3.05 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Size
5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
Native Area
Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Liberia, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Guinea, Gabon, Congo (DRC), Central African Republic, Congo
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Climbing-oleander en Poison arrowvine en Spider-tresses en Ouabain en Strophantus en Cream fruit
PLATES
Strophanthus gratus leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Strophanthus gratus leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Strophanthus gratus flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Strophanthus gratus flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Strophanthus gratus bark
PLATE 05 · bark
Strophanthus gratus habit
PLATE 06 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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