Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Round-leaved Star Creeper Plant Care
Trichocalyx orbiculatus Balf.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its round, succulent-like leaves that are covered in tiny white hairs. Trichocalyx orbiculatus originates from the tropical regions of Africa, specifically Madagascar. Plant collectors are drawn to its unusual appearance and easy care requirements, making it a desirable addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Plant Round-leaved Star Creeper in bright indirect light (USDA zones 11a–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Round-leaved Star Creeper Native To?
What Is the Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Round-leaved Star Creeper (Trichocalyx orbiculatus) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Trichocalyx genus. Round-leaved Star Creeper is native to Socotra. Round-leaved Star Creeper is also known as Trichocalyx orbiculatus.
Round-leaved Star Creeper displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Round-leaved Star Creeper produces small tubular flowers in clusters of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Water a young or newly planted Round-leaved Star Creeper every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Round-leaved Star Creeper Need?
Round-leaved Star Creeper thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Round-leaved Star Creeper in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Round-leaved Star Creeper Prefer?
Trichocalyx orbiculatus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Round-leaved Star Creeper prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Round-leaved Star Creeper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Feed Round-leaved Star Creeper every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Round-leaved Star Creeper is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Round-leaved Star Creeper can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Prune Round-leaved Star Creeper while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Round-leaved Star Creeper in Winter?
Round-leaved Star Creeper is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Round-leaved Star Creeper can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to trichocalyx obovatus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Round-leaved Star Creeper Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Round-leaved Star Creeper, 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 Round-leaved Star Creeper?
Round-leaved Star Creeper is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Round-leaved Star Creeper Need?
Round-leaved Star Creeper grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Round-leaved Star Creeper is native to Socotra. In cooler regions, grow Round-leaved Star Creeper as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Round-leaved Star Creeper 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 Trichocalyx genus — compare its care with other Trichocalyx species on PlantoScan.
Trichocalyx is part of the Acanthaceae plant family — browse all Acanthaceae genera and species.
Round-leaved Star Creeper 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: Trichocalyx orbiculatus Balf.f., family Acanthaceae (first published in Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 12: 88 (1883)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Round-leaved Star Creeper, 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: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Round-leaved Star Creeper 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