Photo: Skjold SøndergaardCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Canary Creeper Plant Care
Tropaeolum peregrinum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its striking, long, tubular orange flowers that resemble small parrots, originating from the Andes mountains of South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Tropaeolum peregrinum for its rare and exotic appearance, adding a touch of tropical flair to their collections.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Canary Creeper?
Water Canary Creeper every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Canary Creeper Native To?
What Is the Canary Creeper?
Canary Creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum) belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family within the Tropaeolum genus. Canary Creeper is native to western South America in Peru and possibly also Ecuador.
Canary Creeper displays a trailing, climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Canary Creeper produces brightly colored spurred flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Canary Creeper?
Tropaeolum peregrinum 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 Canary Creeper Need?
Canary Creeper thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Canary Creeper Prefer?
Tropaeolum peregrinum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Canary Creeper prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Canary Creeper?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Canary Creeper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Canary Creeper?
Feed Canary Creeper 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 Canary Creeper?
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 Canary Creeper?
Canary Creeper can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nasturtium plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Canary Creeper Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Canary 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 Canary Creeper?
Canary Creeper is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars. 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 Canary Creeper Need?
Canary Creeper grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Canary Creeper is native to western South America in Peru and possibly also Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Canary Creeper as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Canary 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 Tropaeolum genus — compare its care with other Tropaeolum species on PlantoScan.
Tropaeolum is part of the Tropaeolaceae plant family — browse all Tropaeolaceae genera and species.
Canary Creeper thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tropaeolum Species
Other Tropaeolum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tropaeolum peregrinum L., family Tropaeolaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 345 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Canary 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: Skjold Søndergaard, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, 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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