Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Cliff Parsonsia Plant Care
Parsonsia praeruptis Heads & de Lange
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Parsonsia praeruptis is a unique plant known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves that are a vibrant shade of emerald green. Originating from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its eye-catching foliage and easy-care nature.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Cliff Parsonsia?
Water Cliff Parsonsia 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 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Cliff Parsonsia Native To?
What Is the Cliff Parsonsia?
Cliff Parsonsia (Parsonsia praeruptis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Parsonsia genus. Cliff Parsonsia is native to New Zealand.
Cliff Parsonsia displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cliff Parsonsia produces small, fragrant clusters of white or pink tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cliff Parsonsia?
Parsonsia praeruptis 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 Cliff Parsonsia Need?
Cliff Parsonsia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cliff Parsonsia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cliff Parsonsia Prefer?
Parsonsia praeruptis grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Cliff Parsonsia prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cliff Parsonsia?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite and orchid bark. Good drainage is essential for Cliff Parsonsia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cliff Parsonsia?
Feed Cliff Parsonsia 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 Cliff Parsonsia?
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 Cliff Parsonsia?
Cliff Parsonsia can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand daphne plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cliff Parsonsia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Cliff Parsonsia?
Cliff Parsonsia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Cliff Parsonsia Need?
Cliff Parsonsia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Cliff Parsonsia is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Cliff Parsonsia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Cliff Parsonsia 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 Parsonsia genus — compare its care with other Parsonsia species on PlantoScan.
Parsonsia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Cliff Parsonsia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Parsonsia Species
Other Parsonsia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Parsonsia praeruptis Heads & de Lange, family Apocynaceae (first published in New Zealand J. Bot. 37: 1 (1999)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Cliff Parsonsia 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Cliff Parsonsia Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species