Climbing Lily Plant Care
Clematepistephium smilacifolium (Rchb.f.) N.Hallé
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clematepistephium smilacifolium is a unique plant known for its striking dark green leaves that resemble those of the Smilax vine. This perennial climber hails from the forests of Southeast Asia and is a favorite among plant enthusiasts for its elegant appearance and easy care requirements.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Climbing Lily?
Water Climbing Lily 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°F (18°C) and above and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Climbing Lily Native To?
What Is the Climbing Lily?
Climbing Lily (Clematepistephium smilacifolium) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Clematepistephium genus. Climbing Lily is native to the island of New Caledonia. Climbing Lily is also known as Greenbrier Lily, Smilax-leaved Clematis.
Climbing Lily displays an epiphytic, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Climbing Lily produces showy, colorful blooms in various shapes and sizes.
How Often Should You Water a Climbing Lily?
Clematepistephium smilacifolium 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 Climbing Lily Need?
Climbing Lily thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Climbing Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Climbing Lily Prefer?
Clematepistephium smilacifolium grows best at temperatures of 65°F. Climbing Lily prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Climbing Lily?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Climbing Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Climbing Lily?
Feed Climbing Lily 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 Climbing Lily?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. 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 Climbing Lily?
Climbing Lily can be propagated through division, back bulbs.
Is the Climbing Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Climbing Lily, 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 Climbing Lily?
Climbing Lily is susceptible to scale, spider mites, aphids. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Climbing Lily 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 Clematepistephium genus — compare its care with other Clematepistephium species on PlantoScan.
Clematepistephium is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Climbing Lily 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: Clematepistephium smilacifolium (Rchb.f.) N.Hallé, family Orchidaceae (first published in Fl. Nouv.-Calédonie & Dépend. 8: 403 (1977)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Climbing Lily, 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.
- 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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