Photo: Malaika Mathew ChawlaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hondala Plant Care
Adenia hondala (Gaertn.) W.J.de Wilde
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Adenia hondala is a unique plant known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves that are a vibrant shade of green. Originating from Madagascar, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its striking appearance and easy care requirements.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hondala?
Water Hondala every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Hondala Native To?
What Is the Hondala?
Hondala (Adenia hondala) belongs to the Passifloraceae family within the Adenia genus. Hondala is native to the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, and in southeastern Asia.
Hondala displays a vining, climbing habit growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hondala produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hondala?
Adenia hondala requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hondala Need?
Hondala thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hondala in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hondala Prefer?
Adenia hondala grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Hondala prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hondala?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Hondala to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hondala?
Feed Hondala every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hondala?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hondala?
Hondala can be propagated through propagation by stem cuttings and seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african serpent vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hondala Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hondala?
Hondala is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hondala Need?
Hondala grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Hondala is native to the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, and in southeastern Asia. In cooler regions, grow Hondala as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Hondala is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Adenia genus — compare its care with other Adenia species on PlantoScan.
Adenia is part of the Passifloraceae plant family — browse all Passifloraceae genera and species.
Hondala thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Adenia Species
Other Adenia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Adenia hondala (Gaertn.) W.J.de Wilde, family Passifloraceae (first published in Blumea 15: 265 (1967)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Hondala is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Malaika Mathew Chawla, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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