Secamone elliptica Plant Care
Secamone elliptica R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Secamone elliptica, also known as corky milk vine, cork vine and secamone, is a species of vines or lianas, of the plant family Apocynaceae. The range extends from southern China through much of Southeast Asia to Northern Australia, from The Kimberley, across The Top End and the East coast from Cape York to northern New South Wales.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Secamone elliptica?
Water Secamone elliptica every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% 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.
What Is the Secamone elliptica?
Secamone elliptica (Secamone elliptica) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Secamone genus.
Secamone elliptica displays a twining vine, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Secamone elliptica produces small, star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Secamone elliptica?
Secamone elliptica 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 Secamone elliptica Need?
Secamone elliptica thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Secamone elliptica in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Secamone elliptica Prefer?
Secamone elliptica grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Secamone elliptica 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 Secamone elliptica?
Well-draining, aerated soil mix with added perlite and orchid bark. Good drainage is essential for Secamone elliptica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Secamone elliptica?
Feed Secamone elliptica 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 Secamone elliptica?
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 Secamone elliptica?
Secamone elliptica can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to secamone alpini plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Secamone elliptica 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 Secamone elliptica?
Secamone elliptica is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Secamone elliptica Need?
Secamone elliptica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Secamone elliptica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Secamone elliptica 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 Secamone genus — compare its care with other Secamone species on PlantoScan.
Secamone is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Secamone elliptica 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: Secamone elliptica R.Br., family Apocynaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 464 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Secamone elliptica 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.
- 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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