Photo: Stuart CableCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Shield Hook Vine Plant Care
Uncarina peltata Stapf
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With large, paddle-shaped leaves that resemble a starfish, this plant originates from Madagascar and is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance. Its thick, succulent leaves and interesting growth habit make it a standout addition to any indoor garden or plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Shield Hook Vine?
Plant Shield Hook Vine in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–11b) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Shield Hook Vine Native To?
What Is the Shield Hook Vine?
Shield Hook Vine (Uncarina peltata) belongs to the Pedaliaceae family within the Uncarina genus. Shield Hook Vine is native to Madagascar. Shield Hook Vine is also known as Devil's Claw.
Shield Hook Vine displays a low shrub, spreading habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Shield Hook Vine produces tubular yellow flowers with purple markings.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shield Hook Vine?
Water a young or newly planted Shield Hook Vine every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Shield Hook Vine Need?
Shield Hook Vine thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shield Hook Vine Prefer?
Uncarina peltata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Shield Hook Vine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shield Hook Vine?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Shield Hook Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shield Hook Vine?
Feed Shield Hook Vine 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 Shield Hook Vine?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Shield Hook Vine is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.
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 Shield Hook Vine?
Shield Hook Vine can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Shield Hook Vine?
Prune Shield Hook Vine 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 Shield Hook Vine in Winter?
Shield Hook Vine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Shield Hook Vine?
Shield Hook Vine can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to decary's uncarina plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Shield Hook Vine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shield Hook Vine, 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 Shield Hook Vine?
Shield Hook Vine 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 Shield Hook Vine Need?
Shield Hook Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Shield Hook Vine is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Shield Hook Vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Shield Hook Vine 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 Uncarina genus — compare its care with other Uncarina species on PlantoScan.
Uncarina is part of the Pedaliaceae plant family — browse all Pedaliaceae genera and species.
Shield Hook Vine 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: Uncarina peltata Stapf, family Pedaliaceae (first published in Nat. Pflanzenfam. 4(3b): 261 (1895)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shield Hook Vine, 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: Stuart Cable, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Shield Hook Vine 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