Nicholson's Strophanthus Plant Care
Strophanthus nicholsonii Holmes
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, dark green leaves feature striking white veins that resemble lightning bolts, making it a visually stunning addition to any collection. Originating from tropical Africa, Strophanthus nicholsonii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and beautiful white, star-shaped flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Nicholson's Strophanthus?
Water Nicholson's 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.
Where Is the Nicholson's Strophanthus Native To?
What Is the Nicholson's Strophanthus?
Nicholson's Strophanthus (Strophanthus nicholsonii) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Strophanthus genus. Nicholson's Strophanthus is native to Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Nicholson's Strophanthus displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Nicholson's Strophanthus produces tubular white or yellow flowers with a distinct shape.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Nicholson's Strophanthus?
Strophanthus nicholsonii 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 Nicholson's Strophanthus Need?
Nicholson's Strophanthus thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Nicholson's 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 Nicholson's Strophanthus Prefer?
Strophanthus nicholsonii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Nicholson's 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 Nicholson's Strophanthus?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Nicholson's Strophanthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Nicholson's Strophanthus?
Feed Nicholson's 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 Nicholson's 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 Nicholson's Strophanthus?
Nicholson's 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 Nicholson's 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 Nicholson's Strophanthus?
Nicholson's 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 Nicholson's Strophanthus Need?
Nicholson's Strophanthus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Nicholson's Strophanthus is native to Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In cooler regions, grow Nicholson's Strophanthus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12a
Keep exploring plants
Nicholson's 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.
Nicholson's 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 nicholsonii Holmes, family Apocynaceae (first published in Pharm. J. 1897: 209 (1897)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Nicholson's 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 10b – 12a, 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
Nicholson's 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