Cup of Gold Plant Care

Cup of Gold (Solenandra triflora) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Solenandra genus. Cup of Gold is native to Jamaica. Cup of Gold is also known as Golden Chalice Vine, Solenandra grandiflora.

Cup of Gold displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cup of Gold produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cup of Gold every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cup of Gold thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cup of Gold in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Solenandra triflora tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Cup of Gold prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Cup of Gold to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cup of Gold every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cup of Gold is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cup of Gold can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cup of Gold while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Cup of Gold is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cup of Gold can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to solenandra brachycarpa plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cup of Gold is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

Cup of Gold grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Cup of Gold is native to Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Cup of Gold as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.