Photo: KAnatoliyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Silk Vine Plant Care
Periploca graeca L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Characterized by its glossy, dark green lance-shaped leaves, this plant originates from the Mediterranean region. Plant collectors are drawn to Periploca graeca for its unique ability to attract butterflies with its clusters of small purple flowers, making it a standout addition to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Silk Vine?
Water Silk Vine every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Silk Vine Native To?
What Is the Silk Vine?
Silk Vine (Periploca graeca) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Periploca genus. Silk Vine is native to southern Europe and the Middle East. Silk Vine is also known as Bastard Calotropis, Wild Coffee, Shoe String.
Silk Vine displays a twining vine or shrub with woody stems growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Silk Vine produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Silk Vine?
Periploca graeca 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 Silk Vine Need?
Silk Vine thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Silk Vine Prefer?
Periploca graeca grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Silk Vine prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Silk Vine?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Silk Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Silk Vine?
Feed Silk Vine 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 Silk Vine?
Repot every 2-3 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 Silk Vine?
Silk Vine can be propagated through propagation by seeds or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to leafless silk-vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Silk Vine 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 Silk Vine?
Silk Vine 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 Silk Vine Need?
Silk Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Silk Vine is native to southern Europe and the Middle East. In cooler regions, grow Silk Vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Silk Vine 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 Periploca genus — compare its care with other Periploca species on PlantoScan.
Periploca is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Silk Vine 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: Periploca graeca L., family Apocynaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 211 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Silk Vine 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: KAnatoliy, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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