Socotrella dolichocnema Plant Care
Socotrella dolichocnema Bruyns
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to the Socotra archipelago, this unique plant is easily identifiable by its long, slender, silver-green leaves that cascade elegantly downwards. Plant collectors are drawn to Socotrella dolichocnema for its rare beauty and exotic origin, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Socotrella dolichocnema?
Water Socotrella dolichocnema every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°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.
Where Is the Socotrella dolichocnema Native To?
What Is the Socotrella dolichocnema?
Socotrella dolichocnema (Socotrella dolichocnema) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Socotrella genus. Socotrella dolichocnema is native to Socotra.
Socotrella dolichocnema displays a vining, trailing plant growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Socotrella dolichocnema produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Socotrella dolichocnema?
Socotrella dolichocnema 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 Socotrella dolichocnema Need?
Socotrella dolichocnema thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Socotrella dolichocnema in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Socotrella dolichocnema Prefer?
Socotrella dolichocnema grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Socotrella dolichocnema 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 Socotrella dolichocnema?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Socotrella dolichocnema to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Socotrella dolichocnema?
Feed Socotrella dolichocnema 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 Socotrella dolichocnema?
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 Socotrella dolichocnema?
Socotrella dolichocnema can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.
Is the Socotrella dolichocnema Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly 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 Socotrella dolichocnema?
Socotrella dolichocnema is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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 Socotrella dolichocnema Need?
Socotrella dolichocnema grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Socotrella dolichocnema is native to Socotra. In cooler regions, grow Socotrella dolichocnema as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Socotrella dolichocnema 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 Socotrella genus — compare its care with other Socotrella species on PlantoScan.
Socotrella is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Socotrella dolichocnema 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: Socotrella dolichocnema Bruyns, family Apocynaceae (first published in Novon 12: 330 (2002)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Socotrella dolichocnema 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 13b – 12b, 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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