Photo: OnePlanetCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bush Clockvine Plant Care
Thunbergia erecta T.Anderson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Thunbergia erecta, also known as King's Mantle, is a striking plant with vibrant purple flowers that contrast beautifully against its dark green foliage. Originating from tropical Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its showy blooms and upright growth habit.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bush Clockvine?
Water Bush 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 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bush Clockvine Native To?
What Is the Bush Clockvine?
Bush Clockvine (Thunbergia erecta) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Thunbergia genus. Bush Clockvine is native to western Africa. Bush Clockvine is also known as King's Mantle, Erect Thunbergia.
Bush Clockvine displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Bush Clockvine produces tubular flowers in various colors like yellow, orange, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bush Clockvine?
Thunbergia erecta 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 Bush Clockvine Need?
Bush Clockvine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Bush 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 Bush Clockvine Prefer?
Thunbergia erecta grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Bush Clockvine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bush Clockvine?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Bush Clockvine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bush Clockvine?
Feed Bush 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 Bush 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 Bush Clockvine?
Bush 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 Bush Clockvine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bush 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 Bush Clockvine?
Bush 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bush Clockvine Need?
Bush Clockvine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Bush Clockvine is native to western Africa. In cooler regions, grow Bush Clockvine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Bush 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.
Bush 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 erecta T.Anderson, family Acanthaceae (first published in J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 7: 18 (1863)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bush 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.
- Photo: OnePlanet, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, 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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