Scarlet Spiderling Plant Care
Boerhavia coccinea Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Boerhavia coccinea is a species of flowering plant in the four o'clock family which is known by many common names, including tar vine scarlet spiderling and red boerhavia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Scarlet Spiderling?
Water Scarlet Spiderling 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Scarlet Spiderling?
Scarlet Spiderling (Boerhavia coccinea) belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family within the Boerhavia genus. Scarlet Spiderling is also known as Red Spiderling, Pink Spiderling, Woolly Hogweed.
Scarlet Spiderling displays a low spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Scarlet Spiderling produces small pink or white clustered flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scarlet Spiderling?
Boerhavia coccinea 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 Scarlet Spiderling Need?
Scarlet Spiderling thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scarlet Spiderling Prefer?
Boerhavia coccinea grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Scarlet Spiderling prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scarlet Spiderling?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet Spiderling to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scarlet Spiderling?
Feed Scarlet Spiderling 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 Scarlet Spiderling?
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 Scarlet Spiderling?
Scarlet Spiderling can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to erect boerhavia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scarlet Spiderling Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scarlet Spiderling, 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 Scarlet Spiderling?
Scarlet Spiderling is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Scarlet Spiderling Need?
Scarlet Spiderling grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet Spiderling as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Scarlet Spiderling 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 Boerhavia genus — compare its care with other Boerhavia species on PlantoScan.
Boerhavia is part of the Nyctaginaceae plant family — browse all Nyctaginaceae genera and species.
Scarlet Spiderling thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Boerhavia Species
Other Boerhavia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Boerhavia coccinea Mill., family Nyctaginaceae (first published in Gard. Dict. ed. 8 : n.º 4 (1768)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scarlet Spiderling, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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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