Photo: Alfredo Gutierrez DipazCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cat's Claw Plant Care
Uncaria tomentosa DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Uncaria tomentosa, also known as "cat's claw," is a tropical vine with distinctive hooked thorns that resemble a cat's claws. It is native to the Amazon rainforest and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its medicinal properties, including its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cat's Claw?
Water Cat's Claw 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 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cat's Claw Native To?
What Is the Cat's Claw?
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Uncaria genus. Cat's Claw is native to the tropical jungles of South and Central America. Cat's Claw is also known as Uña de Gato.
Cat's Claw displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cat's Claw produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cat's Claw?
Uncaria tomentosa 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 Cat's Claw Need?
Cat's Claw thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cat's Claw in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cat's Claw Prefer?
Uncaria tomentosa grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Cat's Claw 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 Cat's Claw?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Cat's Claw to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cat's Claw?
Feed Cat's Claw 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 Cat's Claw?
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 Cat's Claw?
Cat's Claw can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cat's claw plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cat's Claw Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cat's Claw, 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 Cat's Claw?
Cat's Claw is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Cat's Claw Need?
Cat's Claw grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Cat's Claw is native to the tropical jungles of South and Central America. In cooler regions, grow Cat's Claw as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Cat's Claw 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 Uncaria genus — compare its care with other Uncaria species on PlantoScan.
Uncaria is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Cat's Claw 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: Uncaria tomentosa DC., family Rubiaceae (first published in Prodr. 4: 349 (1830)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cat's Claw, 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: Alfredo Gutierrez Dipaz, CC BY 4.0, 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.
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