
Photo: Purves, M.CC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Mikania cordata Plant Care
Mikania natalensis DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With large, heart-shaped leaves that are a striking shade of green, Mikania natalensis is a visually captivating plant native to South Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and the challenge of cultivating a rare species in their collections, making it a coveted addition to any botanical enthusiast's garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mikania cordata?
Water Mikania cordata every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mikania cordata 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 Mikania cordata?
Mikania cordata (Mikania natalensis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Mikania genus. Mikania cordata is native to Africa.
Mikania cordata displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mikania cordata produces small, daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mikania cordata?
Mikania natalensis 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 Mikania cordata Need?
Mikania cordata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Mikania cordata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mikania cordata Prefer?
Mikania natalensis grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Mikania cordata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mikania cordata?
Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Mikania cordata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mikania cordata?
Feed Mikania cordata 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 Mikania cordata?
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 Mikania cordata?
Mikania cordata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping daisy plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mikania cordata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mikania cordata, 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 Mikania cordata?
Mikania cordata 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 Mikania cordata Need?
Mikania cordata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Mikania cordata is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow Mikania cordata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Mikania cordata 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 Mikania genus — compare its care with other Mikania species on PlantoScan.
Mikania is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Mikania cordata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Mikania Species
Other Mikania species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Mikania natalensis DC., family Asteraceae (first published in Prodr. 5: 198 (1836)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mikania cordata, 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: Purves, M., CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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.
