Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Sarsaparilla Plant Care
Smilax tamnoides L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its heart-shaped, glossy green leaves that can grow up to 6 inches in length. Originating from North America, Smilax tamnoides is coveted by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to climb and cover structures with its dense foliage.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sarsaparilla?
Water Sarsaparilla every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Sarsaparilla Native To?
What Is the Sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla (Smilax tamnoides) belongs to the Smilacaceae family within the Smilax genus. Sarsaparilla is native to the United States and Canada. Sarsaparilla is also known as Carrion Flower, Wild Sarsaparilla.
Sarsaparilla displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 12 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Sarsaparilla produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sarsaparilla?
Smilax tamnoides 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 Sarsaparilla Need?
Sarsaparilla thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Sarsaparilla 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 Sarsaparilla Prefer?
Smilax tamnoides grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Sarsaparilla prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sarsaparilla?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sarsaparilla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sarsaparilla?
Feed Sarsaparilla 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 Sarsaparilla?
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 Sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla 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 Sarsaparilla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sarsaparilla, 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 Sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla 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 Sarsaparilla Need?
Sarsaparilla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Sarsaparilla is native to the United States and Canada.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Sarsaparilla 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.
Sarsaparilla 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 tamnoides L., family Smilacaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1030 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sarsaparilla, 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 5a – 9b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Sarsaparilla 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