Ribbon Plant Plant Care
Conomitra linearis Fenzl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its long, slender leaves that grow in a linear pattern, hence its name. Originally from Southeast Asia, Conomitra linearis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and elegant appearance in indoor gardens.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ribbon Plant?
Water Ribbon Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Ribbon 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 Ribbon Plant?
Ribbon Plant (Conomitra linearis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Conomitra genus. Ribbon Plant is native to Africa, from Niger to Somalia. Ribbon Plant is also known as Spiderwort.
Ribbon Plant displays a vining, trailing plant growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Ribbon Plant produces small, star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ribbon Plant?
Conomitra linearis requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ribbon Plant Need?
Ribbon Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ribbon 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 Ribbon Plant Prefer?
Conomitra linearis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Ribbon Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ribbon Plant?
Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Ribbon Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ribbon Plant?
Feed Ribbon Plant 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 Ribbon Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years 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 Ribbon Plant?
Ribbon Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.
Is the Ribbon Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets, can cause skin irritation
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 Ribbon Plant?
Ribbon Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, 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 Ribbon Plant Need?
Ribbon Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Ribbon Plant is native to Africa, from Niger to Somalia. In cooler regions, grow Ribbon Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Ribbon 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 Conomitra genus — compare its care with other Conomitra species on PlantoScan.
Conomitra is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Ribbon Plant 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: Conomitra linearis Fenzl, family Apocynaceae (first published in Nov. Stirp. Dec. : 65 (1839)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Ribbon Plant 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 10b – 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.
