Scarlet Magnolia Vine Plant Care
Schisandra rubriflora Rehder & E.H.Wilson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Schisandra rubriflora, the Chinese magnolia vine, is a species of flowering plant in the family Schisandraceae that is native to China, India and Myanmar. Growing to 8 m (26 ft) tall, it is a deciduous twining climber with leathery leaves.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scarlet Magnolia Vine?
Water Scarlet Magnolia Vine every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Scarlet Magnolia Vine?
Scarlet Magnolia Vine (Schisandra rubriflora) belongs to the Schisandraceae family within the Schisandra genus. Scarlet Magnolia Vine is native to China, India and Myanmar. Scarlet Magnolia Vine is also known as Magnolia Vine, Five-Flavor-Berry.
Scarlet Magnolia Vine displays a climbing vine, twining shrub growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Scarlet Magnolia Vine produces small, fragrant white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scarlet Magnolia Vine?
Schisandra rubriflora 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 Scarlet Magnolia Vine Need?
Scarlet Magnolia Vine thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scarlet Magnolia Vine Prefer?
Schisandra rubriflora grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Scarlet Magnolia Vine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scarlet Magnolia Vine?
Moist, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet Magnolia Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scarlet Magnolia Vine?
Feed Scarlet Magnolia 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 Scarlet Magnolia 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 Scarlet Magnolia Vine?
Scarlet Magnolia Vine can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to arisan schisandra plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scarlet Magnolia Vine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scarlet Magnolia Vine, 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 Scarlet Magnolia Vine?
Scarlet Magnolia 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 Scarlet Magnolia Vine Need?
Scarlet Magnolia Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Scarlet Magnolia Vine is native to China, India and Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet Magnolia Vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Scarlet Magnolia 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 Schisandra genus — compare its care with other Schisandra species on PlantoScan.
Schisandra is part of the Schisandraceae plant family — browse all Schisandraceae genera and species.
Scarlet Magnolia 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: Schisandra rubriflora Rehder & E.H.Wilson, family Schisandraceae (first published in Pl. Wilson. 1: 412 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scarlet Magnolia Vine, 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 12a, 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
Scarlet Magnolia Vine 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