Cucumber rose Plant Care
Rosa cucumerina Tratt.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its uniquely shaped leaves resembling cucumber slices, this plant originates from the tropical regions of Madagascar. Plant collectors are drawn to Rosa cucumerina for its striking foliage and exotic appearance, making it a sought-after addition to any botanical collection.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cucumber rose?
Water Cucumber rose every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Cucumber rose?
Cucumber rose (Rosa cucumerina) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rosa genus. Cucumber rose is native to southern China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Cucumber rose is also known as Glaucous rose.
Cucumber rose displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Cucumber rose produces the flowers of "rosa cucumerina" are small and pink in color..
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cucumber rose?
Rosa cucumerina requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cucumber rose Need?
Cucumber rose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cucumber rose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cucumber rose Prefer?
Rosa cucumerina grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cucumber rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cucumber rose?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Cucumber rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cucumber rose?
Feed Cucumber rose every 4 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 4 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 Cucumber rose?
"Rosa cucumerina" should be repotted every 2-3 years in the 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 Cucumber rose?
Cucumber rose can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rose bush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cucumber rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cucumber rose, 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 Cucumber rose?
Cucumber rose is susceptible to mealybugs, 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 Cucumber rose Need?
Cucumber rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cucumber rose is native to southern China, Taiwan and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Cucumber rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Cucumber rose 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 Rosa genus — compare its care with other Rosa species on PlantoScan.
Rosa is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.
Cucumber rose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rosa Species
Other Rosa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rosa cucumerina Tratt., family Rosaceae (first published in Rosac. Monogr. 2: 181 (1823)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cucumber rose, 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.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Cucumber rose 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