Photo: Ram Dayal VaishnavCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Guduchi Plant Care
Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook.f. & Thomson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tinospora cordifolia, also known as heart-leaved moonseed, is a climbing shrub with heart-shaped leaves that are bright green in color. It is native to the tropical regions of India and Sri Lanka and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its medicinal properties.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
70–90°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Guduchi?
Water Guduchi every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 70–90°F (21–32°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Guduchi Native To?
What Is the Guduchi?
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) belongs to the Menispermaceae family within the Tinospora genus. Guduchi is native to South and Southeast Asia. Guduchi is also known as Giloy, Indian Tinospora, Heart-leaved Moonseed.
Guduchi displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Guduchi produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Guduchi?
Tinospora cordifolia 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 Guduchi Need?
Guduchi thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Guduchi in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Guduchi Prefer?
Tinospora cordifolia grows best at temperatures of 70–90°F. Guduchi prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–90°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Guduchi?
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Guduchi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Guduchi?
Feed Guduchi every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Guduchi?
Repot every 1-2 years 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 Guduchi?
Guduchi can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to celebes glory vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Guduchi Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Guduchi, 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 Guduchi?
Guduchi is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Guduchi Need?
Guduchi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Guduchi is native to South and Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Guduchi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Guduchi 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 Tinospora genus — compare its care with other Tinospora species on PlantoScan.
Tinospora is part of the Menispermaceae plant family — browse all Menispermaceae genera and species.
Guduchi 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: Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook.f. & Thomson, family Menispermaceae (first published in Fl. Ind. 1: 184 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Guduchi, 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: Ram Dayal Vaishnav, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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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