Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Alsomitra Plant Care
Alsomitra macrocarpa M.Roem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
"Alsomitra macrocarpa, also known as the Javan cucumber vine, is a unique plant with large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in size. Originating from the forests of Java, Indonesia, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its fast-growing vines and striking foliage."
Every 5–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Alsomitra?
Water Alsomitra every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Alsomitra Native To?
What Is the Alsomitra?
Alsomitra (Alsomitra macrocarpa) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family within the Alsomitra genus. Alsomitra is native to the tropical forests of Maritime Southeast Asia, as well as Thailand and New Guinea and its nearby islands.
Alsomitra displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 120 ft tall with a spread of approximately 72 ft. Alsomitra produces large, showy white flowers with intricate patterns.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alsomitra?
Alsomitra macrocarpa requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alsomitra Need?
Alsomitra thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alsomitra Prefer?
Alsomitra macrocarpa grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Alsomitra prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alsomitra?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Alsomitra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alsomitra?
Feed Alsomitra 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 Alsomitra?
Repot annually 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 Alsomitra?
Alsomitra can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Alsomitra Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alsomitra, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Alsomitra?
Alsomitra is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Alsomitra Need?
Alsomitra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Alsomitra is native to the tropical forests of Maritime Southeast Asia, as well as Thailand and New Guinea and its nearby islands. In cooler regions, grow Alsomitra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Alsomitra 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 Alsomitra genus — compare its care with other Alsomitra species on PlantoScan.
Alsomitra is part of the Cucurbitaceae plant family — browse all Cucurbitaceae genera and species.
Alsomitra 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: Alsomitra macrocarpa M.Roem., family Cucurbitaceae (first published in Fam. Nat. Syn. Monogr. 2: 117 (1846)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alsomitra, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 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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