Thunbergia mysorensis — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Thunbergia mysorensis

Thunbergia Mysorensis

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ON THIS PLANT

Thunbergia mysorensis, commonly known as the Mysore trumpet vine or Indian clock vine, is a striking flowering plant native to India. Belonging to the Acanthaceae family, this plant can reach heights of up to 20 feet and spread out to 10 feet wide.

The Mysore trumpet vine features stunning, pendulous, bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring through summer. These tubular flowers have a distinctive red throat, adding an extra burst of color to their appearance.

This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with regular watering during the growing season. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual, while in warmer regions, it can be cultivated as a perennial.

Thunbergia mysorensis is widely used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It can be trained to grow on trellises, arbors, fences, or walls, creating a beautiful cascading effect.

Overall, Thunbergia mysorensis is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an eye-catching flowering plant that adds vibrant color and beauty to their landscape design.

A note from PlantMom

Mysore trumpetvine is fairly resistant to disease and is usually not prone to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is relatively low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Mysore trumpetvinet is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Thunbergia Mysorensis.

Light

Mysore trumpetvine prefers plenty of light on its foliage, which promotes optimal growth. It tolerates moderate light levels, like the sun in the morning or late afternoon. However, too much or too little light can cause leaves to become discolored and lose their vibrancy.

Water

The Mysore trumpetvine, originally from India, thrives in high humidity and requires consistent moisture. It typically needs watering every 1-2 weeks. This evergreen vine is famous for its striking flowers and can adapt to short dry spells. It adds a tropical touch to indoor settings.

Temperature

Mysore trumpetvine is native to areas with varied temperatures and grows well across a broad range of 41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 ℃). It prefers locations with full sun to partial shade. In winter, it is recommended to keep temperatures above freezing to ensure its survival.

Fertilizer

Timing is essential for fertilizing Mysore trumpetvine. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. The fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant periods and times of active growth.

Pruning

The Mysore trumpetvine is a rapidly growing climber known for its cascading tubular flowers. To encourage healthy growth and enhance flowering, prune the plant in early spring using clean tools. Regular maintenance helps prevent overgrowth, promotes air circulation, and reduces the risk of disease. Conduct annual pruning to manage the plant's structure in line with horticultural guidelines.

Pot & Repot

Repot the Mysore trumpetvine every 2 to 3 years in the spring, using a large, sturdy pot. Provide a trellis for support, ensure it receives plenty of sunlight, and water it moderately. With proper care, the Mysore trumpetvine will thrive and produce stunning blooms.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Vine
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Thunbergia
Family
Acanthaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
6.1 m
Mature Spread
1.52 m to 2.44 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Gold
Flower Size
5.08 cm to 7.62 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
India
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Mysore trumpetvine en Indian clock vine en Munzerabad creeper en Lady's slipper en Mysore trumpet vine en Mysore Thunbergia en Trumpetvine
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Mysore trumpetvine in the best way?

To ensure excellent root development, it is best to place a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying water directly on the leaves. If the plant is outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will need more watering. To moisten the roots, you can use bubblers for each plant or soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed. When adding or removing plants, use soaker hoses to help the roots go deep into the soil. Make sure to drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level is recommended to prevent diseases. On a sunny day, it can be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Keep in mind that whether the plant is potted or in the ground, Mysore trumpetvine prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

Why do I have to put fertilizer on my Mysore trumpetvine?

Fertilizing a Mysore trumpetvine is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps the vine produce beautiful blooms. One of the best times to fertilize is in early spring, ensuring excellent flowers during that season. Additionally, fertilizer provides the vine with energy to store during dormant growth phases. By giving extra nutrients during fall planting or late spring, the vine can hold more energy to use when active growth resumes.

What are the sunlight requirements for Mysore trumpetvine?

Mysore trumpetvine thrives best with ample exposure to sunlight to ensure its ideal growth. Specifically, it requires above 6 hours of sunlight for full sun conditions and about 3-6 hours of sunlight for partial sun conditions. It's crucial to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to select spots that provide the right balance of light and shade, ensuring the plants' well-being. Excessive or insufficient light can lead to leaf discoloration and a loss of vibrancy in the plants.

What is the native habitat and temperature range for Mysore trumpetvine?

The Mysore trumpetvine, botanically known as Thunbergia mysorensis, is native to regions that experience diverse temperatures. It is comfortable growing in a wide range of temperatures from 41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 °C), preferring sunny to partially shaded areas. The plant exhibits strong cold resistance, typically not requiring special frost protection measures, but if winter temperatures are expected to plummet below -30°C, preparations such as wrapping the trunk and branches should be considered to ensure its survivability.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Mysore trumpetvine?

An overwatered Mysore trumpetvine can exhibit several signs of distress. The leaves may turn yellow, drop off, and wilt, while the plant itself may appear dull and unhealthy with mushy stems. When these symptoms arise, it's important to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. However, wilting can also indicate under watering. In this case, the leaves may become crispy and dry. To determine the correct course of action, check the soil moisture level. If it is dry and mere watering is not sufficient, provide a thorough watering. Although this will help the plant recover, the damaged root system may still cause the leaves to appear yellow and dry for a few days. The yellowing will cease once the plant returns to its normal state. When caring for a Mysore trumpetvine indoors, always check the moisture levels at the pot. Avoid overwatering and be mindful of any black spots that may appear. If present, allow the soil to dry out by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can result in root rot, which may necessitate transferring the plant to a different pot, particularly if discolored and slimy roots are observed. It is always advisable to prevent root rot by avoiding excessively soggy soil. When planting a Mysore trumpetvine outdoors, dig a bit deeper and assess the soil with your fingers. If it feels dry, it could indicate underwatering. Adequate watering is essential to aid in the plant's recovery.

When should I fertilize my Mysore trumpetvine?

To ensure effective fertilization of Mysore trumpetvine, it is important to consider timing. Avoid fertilizing too early while the plant is still dormant, as this will result in wastage and pollution when the fertilizer is washed away by rainwater. The ideal time for the first application of fertilizer is early spring, followed by monthly fertilization until early summer.

Can Mysore trumpetvine grow with artificial lighting and if so, how?

Yes, Mysore trumpetvine can grow with artificial lighting, especially when natural sunlight is inadequate, like during winter or in less sunny indoor spaces. The right type of artificial light, such as LED lights, is beneficial because it can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed by the plant. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is needed, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight and most plants typically need 8-12 hours of light per day.

How should I care for my Mysore trumpetvine during winter?

In preparation for winter, it's important to water your Mysore trumpetvine abundantly before the first freeze of autumn to keep the soil moist, which helps prevent drought and water scarcity during the colder months. Although the plant has strong cold resistance and usually does not require special frost protection measures, if temperatures are expected to drop below -30°C, it is advisable to protect the plant by wrapping its trunk and branches with insulating materials. This extra step helps ensure the vine remains healthy through winter and into early spring.

How frequently should I water my Mysore trumpetvine?

The Mysore trumpetvine prefers deep, infrequent watering. If it's planted in pots, soak them with a gallon of water each time because pots have limited water storage and soil can dry out quickly. In cold regions, water every 3 to 5 days. Water in the morning when the soil is dry, both indoors and outdoors. Check the soil moisture by feeling the top 2-3 inches of soil; if it's dry, give the plant a full watering. On hot days, check the moisture daily as pots can dry out quickly. If you have a garden, irrigation is necessary. In hot climates, water once a week when the soil is too dry. Don't water if there has been ample rainfall to avoid root rot. Mysore trumpetvines grow in spring and fall, so add mulch 3 to 4 inches deep outdoors to conserve water. sandy soil requires more frequent watering, while clay soil needs less watering to prevent root rot. Mark your watering dates on a calendar and watch for drooping leaves as a sign to water a day earlier.

When is a bad time to fertilize my Mysore trumpetvine?

To ensure optimal growth and blooming of Mysore trumpetvine, it is important to be mindful of the type and timing of fertilizer used. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as these can result in lush foliage but sparse blooms. Instead, opt for fertilizers with lower nitrogen levels and balanced nutrients. Additionally, refrain from fertilizing in late autumn, as this can encourage excessive growth before the winter season. Also, avoid fertilizing during hot and dry periods, as dry soil is not as effective in delivering nutrients, and the growth stimulated by fertilizer may require more water than available. Ideally, apply fertilizer during the cooler months of the year. Lastly, be cautious of inadvertently providing a double-dose of fertilizer by using products that may be absorbed by nearby plants or lawns when feeding the Mysore trumpetvine.

What are the symptoms of light deficiency in Mysore trumpetvine?

Symptoms of light deficiency in Mysore trumpetvine include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, delayed or stopped growth, lighter-colored new leaves, chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms suggest the plant is not receiving adequate sunlight, affecting its health and ability to photosynthesize efficiently.

What are the symptoms of the Mysore trumpetvine being exposed to very low temperatures?

When exposed to temperatures below -30°C, the Mysore trumpetvine may not exhibit immediate noticeable changes. However, as spring arrives, its cold tolerance is tested, and you may find the branches becoming brittle and dry. Unfortunately, this could lead to a lack of new shoots emerging from the affected areas. To mitigate this, it is recommended to prune away any dead branches in spring that have failed to produce new leaves.

PLATES
Thunbergia mysorensis leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Thunbergia mysorensis leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Thunbergia mysorensis flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Thunbergia mysorensis flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Thunbergia mysorensis bark
PLATE 05 · bark
Thunbergia mysorensis bark
PLATE 06 · bark
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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