Prickly Bushwillow Plant Care

Prickly Bushwillow (Combretum aculeatum) belongs to the Combretaceae family within the Combretum genus. Prickly Bushwillow is native to the Sahelian and Sudanian savannas and adjacent forest–savanna mosaic in Africa and Saudi Arabia, and has been introduced to Myanmar.

Prickly Bushwillow displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Prickly Bushwillow produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Combretum aculeatum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Prickly Bushwillow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Combretum aculeatum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Prickly Bushwillow prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Prickly Bushwillow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Prickly Bushwillow every month 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Prickly Bushwillow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese honeysuckle plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Prickly Bushwillow is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Prickly Bushwillow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Prickly Bushwillow is native to the Sahelian and Sudanian savannas and adjacent forest–savanna mosaic in Africa and Saudi Arabia, and has been introduced to Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow Prickly Bushwillow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.