Kombe Strophanthus Plant Care
Strophanthus kombe Oliv.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Strophanthus kombe, the kombe arrow poison, is a vine that grows in the tropical regions of Eastern Africa, and is part of the genus Strophanthus, which contains approximately 38 species. S.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kombe Strophanthus?
Water Kombe Strophanthus every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. 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.
What Is the Kombe Strophanthus?
Kombe Strophanthus (Strophanthus kombe) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Strophanthus genus. Kombe Strophanthus is also known as Common Strophanthus, Koube.
Kombe Strophanthus displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Kombe Strophanthus produces tubular white or yellow flowers with a distinct shape.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kombe Strophanthus?
Strophanthus kombe 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 Kombe Strophanthus Need?
Kombe Strophanthus thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Kombe Strophanthus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kombe Strophanthus Prefer?
Strophanthus kombe grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Kombe Strophanthus 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 Kombe Strophanthus?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Kombe Strophanthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kombe Strophanthus?
Feed Kombe Strophanthus 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 Kombe Strophanthus?
Repot every 1-2 years in early 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 Kombe Strophanthus?
Kombe Strophanthus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to strophanthus amboensis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kombe Strophanthus 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 Kombe Strophanthus?
Kombe Strophanthus 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Kombe Strophanthus Need?
Kombe Strophanthus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Kombe Strophanthus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Kombe Strophanthus 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 Strophanthus genus — compare its care with other Strophanthus species on PlantoScan.
Strophanthus is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Kombe Strophanthus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Strophanthus Species
Other Strophanthus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Strophanthus kombe Oliv., family Apocynaceae (first published in Hooker's Icon. Pl. 11: t. 1098 (1871)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Kombe Strophanthus 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, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Kombe Strophanthus 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