Baker's Clockvine Plant Care
Thunbergia backeri hort. ex E.Vilm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its heart-shaped leaves with striking silver variegation, originating from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Thunbergia backeri for its unique foliage, adding a touch of elegance and contrast to any indoor garden or landscaping.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Baker's Clockvine?
Water Baker's Clockvine 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 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Baker's Clockvine Native To?
What Is the Baker's Clockvine?
Baker's Clockvine (Thunbergia backeri) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Thunbergia genus. Baker's Clockvine is native to Eastern Africa, and has been naturalized in other parts of the world.
Baker's Clockvine displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Baker's Clockvine produces tubular flowers in various colors like yellow, orange, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Baker's Clockvine?
Thunbergia backeri 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 Baker's Clockvine Need?
Baker's Clockvine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Baker's Clockvine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Baker's Clockvine Prefer?
Thunbergia backeri grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Baker's Clockvine 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 Baker's Clockvine?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Baker's Clockvine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Baker's Clockvine?
Feed Baker's Clockvine 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 Baker's Clockvine?
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 Baker's Clockvine?
Baker's Clockvine can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to black eyed susan vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Baker's Clockvine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Baker's Clockvine, 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 Baker's Clockvine?
Baker's Clockvine 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.
Keep exploring plants
Baker's Clockvine 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.
Baker's Clockvine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Thunbergia Species
Other Thunbergia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Thunbergia backeri hort. ex E.Vilm., family Acanthaceae (first published in Fl. Pleine Terre (ed. 2) 919. 1866) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Baker's Clockvine, 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.
- 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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