Sphenodesme thorelii Plant Care
Sphenodesme thorelii Dop
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sphenodesme thorelii is the accepted name of a species of small liana in the genus Sphenodesme. This species is named after the French botanist Clovis Thorel and found in southern Vietnam, where it may be called bội tinh Thorel.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sphenodesme thorelii?
Water Sphenodesme thorelii 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.
Where Is the Sphenodesme thorelii Native To?
What Is the Sphenodesme thorelii?
Sphenodesme thorelii (Sphenodesme thorelii) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Sphenodesme genus. Sphenodesme thorelii is native to southern Vietnam.
Sphenodesme thorelii displays a vining, trailing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sphenodesme thorelii produces small tubular flowers in clusters of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sphenodesme thorelii?
Sphenodesme thorelii 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 Sphenodesme thorelii Need?
Sphenodesme thorelii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Sphenodesme thorelii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sphenodesme thorelii Prefer?
Sphenodesme thorelii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Sphenodesme thorelii 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 Sphenodesme thorelii?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Sphenodesme thorelii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sphenodesme thorelii?
Feed Sphenodesme thorelii 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 Sphenodesme thorelii?
Repot annually 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 Sphenodesme thorelii?
Sphenodesme thorelii can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sphenodesme involucrata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sphenodesme thorelii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sphenodesme thorelii, 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 Sphenodesme thorelii?
Sphenodesme thorelii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Sphenodesme thorelii Need?
Sphenodesme thorelii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Sphenodesme thorelii is native to southern Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Sphenodesme thorelii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Sphenodesme thorelii 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 Sphenodesme genus — compare its care with other Sphenodesme species on PlantoScan.
Sphenodesme is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Sphenodesme thorelii 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: Sphenodesme thorelii Dop, family Lamiaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Bot. France 61: 316 (1914 publ. 1915)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sphenodesme thorelii, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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