Clock Vine Plant Care
Thunbergia roxburghia Nees
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's large, heart-shaped leaves are adorned with intricate, eye-catching patterns of silver and green. Originating from tropical regions of Asia, Thunbergia roxburghia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in warm, humid climates.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Clock Vine?
Water Clock Vine every 3–7 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 Clock Vine Native To?
What Is the Clock Vine?
Clock Vine (Thunbergia roxburghia) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Thunbergia genus. Clock Vine is native to South and Southeast Asia and China. Clock Vine is also known as Bengal Trumpet Vine.
Clock Vine displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Clock Vine produces tubular flowers in various colors like yellow, orange, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Clock Vine?
Thunbergia roxburghia requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Clock Vine Need?
Clock Vine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Clock 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 Clock Vine Prefer?
Thunbergia roxburghia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Clock 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 Clock Vine?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Clock Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Clock Vine?
Feed Clock 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 Clock 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 Clock Vine?
Clock Vine 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 Clock Vine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Clock 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 Clock Vine?
Clock 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.
Keep exploring plants
Clock 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.
Clock Vine 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 roxburghia Nees, family Acanthaceae (first published in Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3: 78 (1832)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Clock 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.
- 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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