Winged Bushwillow Plant Care
Combretum alatum Craib
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The distinctive winged corky ridges on the branches of this plant help it stand out in any landscape. Originating from sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique appearance and drought tolerance.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Winged Bushwillow?
Water Winged Bushwillow every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Winged Bushwillow?
Winged Bushwillow (Combretum alatum) belongs to the Combretaceae family within the Combretum genus. Winged Bushwillow is native to Africa.
Winged Bushwillow displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Winged Bushwillow produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Winged Bushwillow?
Combretum alatum 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Winged Bushwillow Need?
Winged Bushwillow thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Winged Bushwillow Prefer?
Combretum alatum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Winged Bushwillow prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Winged Bushwillow?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Winged Bushwillow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Winged Bushwillow?
Feed Winged Bushwillow 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 Winged Bushwillow?
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.
How Do You Propagate a Winged Bushwillow?
Winged Bushwillow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese honeysuckle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Winged Bushwillow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Winged Bushwillow, 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 Winged Bushwillow?
Winged 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.
Keep exploring plants
Winged Bushwillow 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 Combretum genus — compare its care with other Combretum species on PlantoScan.
Combretum is part of the Combretaceae plant family — browse all Combretaceae genera and species.
Winged Bushwillow thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Combretum Species
Other Combretum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Combretum alatum Craib, family Combretaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1930: 162 (1930)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Winged Bushwillow, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Winged Bushwillow Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species