Laurel Clockvine Plant Care
Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Thunbergia laurifolia, also known as laurel clockvine, is a tropical vine with striking bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom abundantly. Originating from Southeast Asia, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its medicinal properties in traditional Thai medicine.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Laurel Clockvine?
Water Laurel Clockvine every 7–14 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 Laurel Clockvine Native To?
What Is the Laurel Clockvine?
Laurel Clockvine (Thunbergia laurifolia) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Thunbergia genus. Laurel Clockvine is native to India and Thailand and the Indomalayan realm, the species occurs from Indochina to Malaysia. Laurel Clockvine is also known as Blue Trumpet Vine, Clock Vine, Laurel-leaf Thunbergia.
Laurel Clockvine displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Laurel Clockvine produces tubular flowers in various colors like yellow, orange, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Laurel Clockvine?
Thunbergia laurifolia requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Laurel Clockvine Need?
Laurel Clockvine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Laurel 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 Laurel Clockvine Prefer?
Thunbergia laurifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Laurel Clockvine 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 Laurel Clockvine?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Laurel Clockvine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Laurel Clockvine?
Feed Laurel 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 Laurel 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 Laurel Clockvine?
Laurel 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 Laurel Clockvine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Laurel 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 Laurel Clockvine?
Laurel 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 Laurel Clockvine Need?
Laurel Clockvine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Laurel Clockvine is native to India and Thailand and the Indomalayan realm, the species occurs from Indochina to Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Laurel Clockvine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Laurel 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.
Laurel 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 laurifolia Lindl., family Acanthaceae (first published in Gard. Chron. 1856: 260 (1856)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Laurel 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.
- 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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