Photo: Alison NorthupCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Havana Smilax Plant Care
Smilax havanensis Jacq.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, heart-shaped leaves are a standout feature of Smilax havanensis, originating from tropical regions in Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and ability to climb, making it a beautiful addition to any indoor garden or trellis.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Havana Smilax?
Water Havana Smilax every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Havana Smilax Native To?
What Is the Havana Smilax?
Havana Smilax (Smilax havanensis) belongs to the Smilacaceae family within the Smilax genus. Havana Smilax is native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and southern Florida. Havana Smilax is also known as Cuban Smilax.
Havana Smilax displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Havana Smilax produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Havana Smilax?
Smilax havanensis 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 Havana Smilax Need?
Havana Smilax thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Havana Smilax in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Havana Smilax Prefer?
Smilax havanensis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Havana Smilax prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Havana Smilax?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Havana Smilax to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Havana Smilax?
Feed Havana Smilax every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Havana Smilax?
Repot every 2-3 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 Havana Smilax?
Havana Smilax can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bristleleaf smilax plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Havana Smilax Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Havana Smilax, 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 Havana Smilax?
Havana Smilax is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. 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 Havana Smilax Need?
Havana Smilax grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Havana Smilax is native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and southern Florida. In cooler regions, grow Havana Smilax as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Havana Smilax 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 Smilax genus — compare its care with other Smilax species on PlantoScan.
Smilax is part of the Smilacaceae plant family — browse all Smilacaceae genera and species.
Havana Smilax copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Smilax Species
Other Smilax species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Smilax havanensis Jacq., family Smilacaceae (first published in Enum. Syst. Pl. : 33 (1760)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Havana Smilax, 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: Alison Northup, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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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