Duvaliandra dioscoridis Plant Care
Duvaliandra dioscoridis (Lavranos) M.G.Gilbert
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's large, heart-shaped leaves are its most distinctive feature, originating from the forests of Madagascar. Plant collectors are drawn to Duvaliandra dioscoridis for its unique foliage and its ability to thrive in low light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Duvaliandra dioscoridis?
Water Duvaliandra dioscoridis 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. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Duvaliandra dioscoridis Native To?
What Is the Duvaliandra dioscoridis?
Duvaliandra dioscoridis (Duvaliandra dioscoridis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Duvaliandra genus. Duvaliandra dioscoridis is native to the Socotra Islands in the Indian Ocean.
Duvaliandra dioscoridis displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Duvaliandra dioscoridis produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Duvaliandra dioscoridis?
Duvaliandra dioscoridis 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 Duvaliandra dioscoridis Need?
Duvaliandra dioscoridis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Duvaliandra dioscoridis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Duvaliandra dioscoridis Prefer?
Duvaliandra dioscoridis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Duvaliandra dioscoridis 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 Duvaliandra dioscoridis?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Duvaliandra dioscoridis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Duvaliandra dioscoridis?
Feed Duvaliandra dioscoridis 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 Duvaliandra dioscoridis?
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 Duvaliandra dioscoridis?
Duvaliandra dioscoridis can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.
Is the Duvaliandra dioscoridis 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
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 Duvaliandra dioscoridis?
Duvaliandra dioscoridis is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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 Duvaliandra dioscoridis Need?
Duvaliandra dioscoridis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Duvaliandra dioscoridis is native to the Socotra Islands in the Indian Ocean. In cooler regions, grow Duvaliandra dioscoridis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Duvaliandra dioscoridis 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 Duvaliandra genus — compare its care with other Duvaliandra species on PlantoScan.
Duvaliandra is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Duvaliandra dioscoridis 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: Duvaliandra dioscoridis (Lavranos) M.G.Gilbert, family Apocynaceae (first published in Cact. Succ. J. (Los Angeles) 52: 101 (1980)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Duvaliandra dioscoridis 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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