Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Corkscrew Plant Plant Care
Genlisea hispidula Stapf
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This carnivorous plant has thin, elongated leaves that form trumpet-shaped traps. Genlisea hispidula originates from South America, specifically Brazil. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique and intricate traps that attract and consume tiny insects, making it a fascinating addition to any collection.
Every 3–5 days
Bright indirect light
70–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Corkscrew Plant?
Water Corkscrew Plant every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 70–85°F (21–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Corkscrew Plant Native To?
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Corkscrew Plant?
Corkscrew Plant (Genlisea hispidula) belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family within the Genlisea genus. Corkscrew Plant is native to Africa.
Corkscrew Plant displays a low rosette, carnivorous perennial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Corkscrew Plant produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Corkscrew Plant?
Genlisea hispidula requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Corkscrew Plant Need?
Corkscrew Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Corkscrew Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Corkscrew Plant Prefer?
Genlisea hispidula grows best at temperatures of 70–85°F. Corkscrew Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Corkscrew Plant?
Sphagnum peat moss with perlite for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Corkscrew Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Corkscrew Plant?
Feed Corkscrew Plant 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.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Corkscrew Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Corkscrew Plant?
Corkscrew Plant can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african corkscrew plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Corkscrew Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Corkscrew Plant, 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 Corkscrew Plant?
Corkscrew Plant is susceptible to aphids, fungus gnats. 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 Corkscrew Plant Need?
Corkscrew Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Corkscrew Plant is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow Corkscrew Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Corkscrew Plant 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 Genlisea genus — compare its care with other Genlisea species on PlantoScan.
Genlisea is part of the Lentibulariaceae plant family — browse all Lentibulariaceae genera and species.
Corkscrew Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Genlisea Species
Other Genlisea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Genlisea hispidula Stapf, family Lentibulariaceae (first published in Fl. Cap. 4(2): 437 (1904)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Corkscrew Plant, 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, 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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