Chaliponga Plant Care
Diplopterys cabrerana (Cuatrec.) B.Gates
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Diplopterys cabrerana is a shrub native to the Amazon Basin, spanning the countries of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In the Quechua languages it is called chaliponga or chagropanga; in parts of Ecuador it is known as chacruna—a name otherwise reserved for Psychotria viridis.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chaliponga?
Water Chaliponga 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Chaliponga Native To?
What Is the Chaliponga?
Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana) belongs to the Malpighiaceae family within the Diplopterys genus. Chaliponga is native to the Amazon Basin, spanning the countries of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Chaliponga is also known as Caapi.
Chaliponga displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Chaliponga produces small, colorful trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chaliponga?
Diplopterys cabrerana 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 Chaliponga Need?
Chaliponga thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chaliponga in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chaliponga Prefer?
Diplopterys cabrerana grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Chaliponga prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chaliponga?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Chaliponga to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chaliponga?
Feed Chaliponga 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 Chaliponga?
Repot annually 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 Chaliponga?
Chaliponga can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Chaliponga Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chaliponga, 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 Chaliponga?
Chaliponga is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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 Chaliponga Need?
Chaliponga grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Chaliponga is native to the Amazon Basin, spanning the countries of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Chaliponga as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Chaliponga 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 Diplopterys genus — compare its care with other Diplopterys species on PlantoScan.
Diplopterys is part of the Malpighiaceae plant family — browse all Malpighiaceae genera and species.
Chaliponga 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: Diplopterys cabrerana (Cuatrec.) B.Gates, family Malpighiaceae (first published in Brittonia 31: 109 (1979)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chaliponga, 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 13b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Chaliponga 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