Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed Plant Care

Tinospora formanii Udayan & Pradeep

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Tinospora formanii is distinguished by its heart-shaped leaves with prominent veining, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance. Originating from Indonesia, this plant is sought after by enthusiasts for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in indoor environments.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed?

Water Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

What Is the Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed?

Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed (Tinospora formanii) belongs to the Menispermaceae family within the Tinospora genus. Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed is native to Indonesia.

Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed?

Tinospora formanii 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 Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed Need?

Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed Prefer?

Tinospora formanii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed?

Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed?

Feed Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed 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 Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed?

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 Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed?

Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed 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 Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed, 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 Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed?

Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed 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 Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed Need?

Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed is native to Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed 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.

Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed 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 formanii Udayan & Pradeep, family Menispermaceae (first published in Edinburgh J. Bot. 66: 77 (2009)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed, 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 11a – 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Indonesian Heart-Leaved Moonseed 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species