Photo: pbsgCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hairy Woodrose Plant Care
Merremia hirta Merr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Merremia hirta, also known as "Hairy Wood Rose," is a vine plant with heart-shaped leaves that have a distinctive hairy texture. Originating from tropical regions of Asia and Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its charming flowers and ability to climb and cover trellises or fences.
Every 5–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy Woodrose?
Water Hairy Woodrose every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hairy Woodrose Native To?
What Is the Hairy Woodrose?
Hairy Woodrose (Merremia hirta) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family within the Merremia genus. Hairy Woodrose is native to India, southern China, Southeast Asia, Malesia, Papuasia, and Queensland.
Hairy Woodrose displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hairy Woodrose produces showy trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy Woodrose?
Merremia hirta requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hairy Woodrose Need?
Hairy Woodrose thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy Woodrose Prefer?
Merremia hirta grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Hairy Woodrose prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy Woodrose?
Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Woodrose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy Woodrose?
Feed Hairy Woodrose 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 Hairy Woodrose?
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 Hairy Woodrose?
Hairy Woodrose can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping woodsorrel plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hairy Woodrose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy Woodrose, 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 Hairy Woodrose?
Hairy Woodrose is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Hairy Woodrose Need?
Hairy Woodrose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Hairy Woodrose is native to India, southern China, Southeast Asia, Malesia, Papuasia, and Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Hairy Woodrose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Hairy Woodrose 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 Merremia genus — compare its care with other Merremia species on PlantoScan.
Merremia is part of the Convolvulaceae plant family — browse all Convolvulaceae genera and species.
Hairy Woodrose 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: Merremia hirta Merr., family Convolvulaceae (first published in Philipp. J. Sci., C 7: 244 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy Woodrose, 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: pbsg, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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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