Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Supplejack Plant Care
Ripogonum scandens J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ripogonum scandens, also known as supplejack or kareao, is a unique climbing plant with long, slender leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in length. Its distinctive dark green foliage and twisting growth habit make it a standout in any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Supplejack?
Water Supplejack 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Supplejack Native To?
What Is the Supplejack?
Supplejack (Ripogonum scandens) belongs to the Ripogonaceae family within the Ripogonum genus. Supplejack is native to New Zealand. Supplejack is also known as New Zealand Supplejack.
Supplejack displays a twining vine growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Supplejack produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Supplejack?
Ripogonum scandens 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 Supplejack Need?
Supplejack thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Supplejack in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Supplejack Prefer?
Ripogonum scandens grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Supplejack prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Supplejack?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Supplejack to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Supplejack?
Feed Supplejack 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 Supplejack?
Repot every 1-2 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 Supplejack?
Supplejack can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white climbing lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Supplejack Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Supplejack, 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 Supplejack?
Supplejack is susceptible to aphids, 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 Supplejack Need?
Supplejack grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Supplejack is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Supplejack as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Supplejack 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 Ripogonum genus — compare its care with other Ripogonum species on PlantoScan.
Ripogonum is part of the Ripogonaceae plant family — browse all Ripogonaceae genera and species.
Supplejack 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: Ripogonum scandens J.R.Forst. & G.Forst., family Ripogonaceae (first published in Char. Gen. Pl. : 50 (1776)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Supplejack, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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.
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