Cape Ancylobothrys Plant Care

Ancylobothrys capensis (Oliv.) Pichon

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Ancylobothrys capensis, the wild apricot, is a tangled, sprawling, multi-stemmed Southern African creeper of the family Apocynaceae.

🌿Shrubs🪴Houseplants🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Cape Ancylobothrys?

Water Cape Ancylobothrys 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 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

What Is the Cape Ancylobothrys?

Cape Ancylobothrys (Ancylobothrys capensis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Ancylobothrys genus.

Cape Ancylobothrys displays a tall, vine-like climber growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cape Ancylobothrys produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Cape Ancylobothrys?

Ancylobothrys capensis 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 Cape Ancylobothrys Need?

Cape Ancylobothrys thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cape Ancylobothrys in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cape Ancylobothrys Prefer?

Ancylobothrys capensis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Cape Ancylobothrys 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 Cape Ancylobothrys?

Well-draining, sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cape Ancylobothrys to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Cape Ancylobothrys?

Feed Cape Ancylobothrys every 6 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 6 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 Cape Ancylobothrys?

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 Cape Ancylobothrys?

Cape Ancylobothrys can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ancylobothrys petersiana plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Cape Ancylobothrys Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Toxic to humans and pets, especially 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 Cape Ancylobothrys?

Cape Ancylobothrys is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, 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 Cape Ancylobothrys Need?

Cape Ancylobothrys grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Cape Ancylobothrys as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Cape Ancylobothrys 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 Ancylobothrys genus — compare its care with other Ancylobothrys species on PlantoScan.

Ancylobothrys is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.

Cape Ancylobothrys 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: Ancylobothrys capensis (Oliv.) Pichon, family Apocynaceae (first published in Mém. Inst. Franç. Afrique Noire 35: 297 (1953)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Cape Ancylobothrys 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 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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