Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Moth plant Plant Care
Araujia sericifera Brot.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique star-shaped flowers with delicate white petals and pink stripes, making it a standout in any garden. Originally from South America, Araujia sericifera is sought after by plant collectors for its rapid growth and ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Moth plant?
Water Moth plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% 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.
Where Is the Moth plant Native To?
What Is the Moth plant?
Moth plant (Araujia sericifera) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Araujia genus. Moth plant is native to South America. Moth plant is also known as Cruel plant, Velvet plant, White bladder.
Moth plant displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Moth plant produces fragrant white flowers with purple centers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Moth plant?
Araujia sericifera 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 Moth plant Need?
Moth plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Moth plant Prefer?
Araujia sericifera grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Moth plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Moth plant?
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Moth plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Moth plant?
Feed Moth plant 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 Moth plant?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide room for growth. 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 Moth plant?
Moth plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white moth orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Moth plant 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 Moth plant?
Moth plant 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 Moth plant Need?
Moth plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Moth plant is native to South America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Moth plant 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 Araujia genus (family Apocynaceae) — search all Araujia species in the plant lookup.
Moth plant 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: Araujia sericifera Brot., family Apocynaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 12: 62 (1818)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Moth plant 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: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, 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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