Black Creeper Plant Care
Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) W.T.Aiton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ichnocarpus frutescens is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, known by the English common name black creeper. It is native to much of China, India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Black Creeper?
Black Creeper grows best in bright indirect light. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Black Creeper Native To?
What Is the Black Creeper?
Black Creeper (Ichnocarpus frutescens) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Ichnocarpus genus. Black Creeper is native to much of China, India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. Black Creeper is also known as Shankhapushpi, Curry Leaf Creeper.
Black Creeper displays a twining vine growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Black Creeper produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the Black Creeper Need?
Black Creeper thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Black Creeper in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black Creeper?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Black Creeper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Black Creeper?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide more space for growth. 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 Black Creeper?
Black Creeper can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Black Creeper Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Black Creeper?
Black Creeper is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.
Keep exploring plants
Black Creeper 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 Ichnocarpus genus — compare its care with other Ichnocarpus species on PlantoScan.
Ichnocarpus is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Black Creeper 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: Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) W.T.Aiton, family Apocynaceae (first published in Hortus Kew. 2: 69 (1811)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Black Creeper 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.
- 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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