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Black Eyed Susan Vine Plant Care
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily identified by its unique trumpet-shaped, bright orange flowers with a black center. Originating from tropical regions of Africa, Thunbergia alata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Black Eyed Susan Vine?
Water Black Eyed Susan Vine every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Black Eyed Susan Vine Native To?
What Is the Black Eyed Susan Vine?
Black Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Thunbergia genus. Black Eyed Susan Vine is native to Eastern Africa, and has been naturalized in other parts of the world. Black Eyed Susan Vine is also known as Black-Eyed Susan Vine, Clock Vine, Orange Clock Vine.
Black Eyed Susan Vine displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Black Eyed Susan Vine produces tubular flowers in various colors like yellow, orange, or white.
How Often Should You Water a Black Eyed Susan Vine?
Thunbergia alata 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 Black Eyed Susan Vine Need?
Black Eyed Susan Vine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Black Eyed Susan Vine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black Eyed Susan Vine Prefer?
Thunbergia alata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Black Eyed Susan Vine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black Eyed Susan Vine?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Black Eyed Susan Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Black Eyed Susan Vine?
Feed Black Eyed Susan Vine every 2 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 2 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 Black Eyed Susan Vine?
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 Black Eyed Susan Vine?
Black Eyed Susan Vine can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Black Eyed Susan Vine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Black Eyed Susan Vine, 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 Black Eyed Susan Vine?
Black Eyed Susan Vine 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 Black Eyed Susan Vine Need?
Black Eyed Susan Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Black Eyed Susan Vine is native to Eastern Africa, and has been naturalized in other parts of the world. In cooler regions, grow Black Eyed Susan Vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Black Eyed Susan Vine 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 Thunbergia genus — compare its care with other Thunbergia species on PlantoScan.
Thunbergia is part of the Acanthaceae plant family — browse all Acanthaceae genera and species.
Black Eyed Susan Vine 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: Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims, family Acanthaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 52: t. 2591 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Black Eyed Susan Vine, 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.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 12b, 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.
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