Photo: TimCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cup of Gold Vine Plant Care
Solandra maxima (Sessé & Moc.) P.S.Green
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's large, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers are its most distinctive feature. Originating from Central and South America, Solandra maxima is sought after by plant collectors for its unique and showy blooms that can grow up to 8 inches in diameter.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to full sun
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cup of Gold Vine?
Water Cup of Gold Vine every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°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 Cup of Gold Vine Native To?
What Is the Cup of Gold Vine?
Cup of Gold Vine (Solandra maxima) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solandra genus. Cup of Gold Vine is native to Mexico and Central America. Cup of Gold Vine is also known as Golden Chalice Vine, Showy Solandra.
Cup of Gold Vine displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Cup of Gold Vine produces large, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cup of Gold Vine?
Solandra maxima 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 Cup of Gold Vine Need?
Cup of Gold Vine thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Cup of Gold Vine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cup of Gold Vine Prefer?
Solandra maxima grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Cup of Gold Vine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cup of Gold Vine?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cup of Gold Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cup of Gold Vine?
Feed Cup of Gold 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 Cup of Gold Vine?
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 Cup of Gold Vine?
Cup of Gold Vine can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cup of gold vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cup of Gold Vine 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 Cup of Gold Vine?
Cup of Gold Vine 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 Cup of Gold Vine Need?
Cup of Gold Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Cup of Gold Vine is native to Mexico and Central America. In cooler regions, grow Cup of Gold Vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Cup of Gold 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 Solandra genus — compare its care with other Solandra species on PlantoScan.
Solandra is part of the Solanaceae plant family — browse all Solanaceae genera and species.
Cup of Gold 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: Solandra maxima (Sessé & Moc.) P.S.Green, family Solanaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 176: tab. 506. 1967.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Cup of Gold Vine 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.
- Photo: Tim, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Cup of Gold 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