Cardiopteris moluccana Plant Care
Cardiopteris moluccana Blume
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cardiopteris moluccana, commonly known as blood vine, is a climbing plant in the citronella family Cardiopteridaceae native to areas from the Philippines south to Queensland, Australia. It is a twining vine with a stem diameter up to 12 cm (4.7 in).
Every 5–7 days
Partial shade to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cardiopteris moluccana?
Water Cardiopteris moluccana every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cardiopteris moluccana Native To?
What Is the Cardiopteris moluccana?
Cardiopteris moluccana (Cardiopteris moluccana) belongs to the Cardiopteridaceae family within the Cardiopteris genus. Cardiopteris moluccana is native to areas from the Philippines south to Queensland, Australia.
Cardiopteris moluccana displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cardiopteris moluccana produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cardiopteris moluccana?
Cardiopteris moluccana 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 Cardiopteris moluccana Need?
Cardiopteris moluccana thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Cardiopteris moluccana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cardiopteris moluccana Prefer?
Cardiopteris moluccana grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cardiopteris moluccana prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cardiopteris moluccana?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cardiopteris moluccana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cardiopteris moluccana?
Feed Cardiopteris moluccana 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 Cardiopteris moluccana?
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 Cardiopteris moluccana?
Cardiopteris moluccana can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.
Is the Cardiopteris moluccana Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cardiopteris moluccana, 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 Cardiopteris moluccana?
Cardiopteris moluccana is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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 Cardiopteris moluccana Need?
Cardiopteris moluccana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cardiopteris moluccana is native to areas from the Philippines south to Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Cardiopteris moluccana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cardiopteris moluccana 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 Cardiopteris genus — compare its care with other Cardiopteris species on PlantoScan.
Cardiopteris is part of the Cardiopteridaceae plant family — browse all Cardiopteridaceae genera and species.
Cardiopteris moluccana copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cardiopteris moluccana Blume, family Cardiopteridaceae (first published in Rumphia 3: 207 (1847)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cardiopteris moluccana, 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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