Variegated Urceola Plant Care
Urceola polymorpha (Pierre) D.J.Middleton & Livsh.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Urceola polymorpha is a unique vine known for its striking variegated leaves with splashes of white and green. Originating from Southeast Asia, this plant thrives in tropical climates and is popular among enthusiasts for its eye-catching foliage that adds a pop of color to any indoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Variegated Urceola?
Water Variegated Urceola every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Variegated Urceola Native To?
What Is the Variegated Urceola?
Variegated Urceola (Urceola polymorpha) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Urceola genus. Variegated Urceola is native to Indochina. Variegated Urceola is also known as Polka Dot Climber.
Variegated Urceola displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Variegated Urceola produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Variegated Urceola?
Urceola polymorpha requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Variegated Urceola Need?
Variegated Urceola thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Variegated Urceola in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Variegated Urceola Prefer?
Urceola polymorpha grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Variegated Urceola prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Variegated Urceola?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Variegated Urceola to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Variegated Urceola?
Feed Variegated Urceola every 2 months 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 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Variegated Urceola?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Variegated Urceola?
Variegated Urceola can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to urceola micrantha plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Variegated Urceola Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly 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 Variegated Urceola?
Variegated Urceola is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Variegated Urceola Need?
Variegated Urceola grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Variegated Urceola is native to Indochina. In cooler regions, grow Variegated Urceola as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Variegated Urceola 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 Urceola genus — compare its care with other Urceola species on PlantoScan.
Urceola is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Variegated Urceola thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Urceola polymorpha (Pierre) D.J.Middleton & Livsh., family Apocynaceae (first published in Taxon 67(2): 356. 2018 [9 May 2018]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Variegated Urceola 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.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Variegated Urceola Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species