Philippine Violet Plant Care
Cosmostigma philippinense Schltr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking silver and green variegated leaves, this plant originating from the Philippines is a must-have for plant collectors. Its unique foliage adds a pop of color and texture to any indoor garden, making it a standout choice for those looking to add a touch of tropical flair to their collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Philippine Violet?
Water Philippine Violet every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Philippine Violet?
Philippine Violet (Cosmostigma philippinense) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Cosmostigma genus. Philippine Violet is native to Philippines.
Philippine Violet displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Philippine Violet produces small, star-shaped flowers in clusters.
How Often Should You Water a Philippine Violet?
Cosmostigma philippinense 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 Philippine Violet Need?
Philippine Violet thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Philippine Violet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Philippine Violet Prefer?
Cosmostigma philippinense grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Philippine Violet prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Philippine Violet?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Philippine Violet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Philippine Violet?
Feed Philippine Violet 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 Philippine Violet?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide more space for growth. 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 Philippine Violet?
Philippine Violet can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to heart-leaf philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Philippine Violet Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Philippine Violet?
Philippine Violet is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Philippine Violet Need?
Philippine Violet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Philippine Violet is native to Philippines. In cooler regions, grow Philippine Violet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Philippine Violet 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 Cosmostigma genus — compare its care with other Cosmostigma species on PlantoScan.
Cosmostigma is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Philippine Violet 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: Cosmostigma philippinense Schltr., family Apocynaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 13: 542 (1915)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Philippine Violet is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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