Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Tinospora Plant Care
Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tinospora crispa, also known as the heart-leaved moonseed, is a unique plant with heart-shaped leaves that have a distinctive dark green color. It is popular among plant enthusiasts for its attractive foliage and climbing growth habit.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tinospora?
Water Tinospora every 7–14 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 month during the growing season.
What Is the Tinospora?
Tinospora (Tinospora crispa) belongs to the Menispermaceae family within the Tinospora genus. Tinospora is native to Malaysia. Tinospora is also known as Gullet-vine, Heart-leaf Moonseed.
Tinospora displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Tinospora produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tinospora?
Tinospora crispa 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 Tinospora Need?
Tinospora thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Tinospora in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tinospora Prefer?
Tinospora crispa grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Tinospora 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 Tinospora?
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tinospora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tinospora?
Feed Tinospora 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 Tinospora?
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 Tinospora?
Tinospora 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 Tinospora Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tinospora, 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 Tinospora?
Tinospora 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 Tinospora Need?
Tinospora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Tinospora is native to Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Tinospora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Tinospora 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.
Tinospora 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 crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson, family Menispermaceae (first published in Fl. Ind. 1: 183 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tinospora, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Tinospora Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species