Photo: MelburnianCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Cacalia elaeagnifolia Plant Care
Tarlmounia elliptica (DC.) H.Rob., S.C.Keeley, Skvarla & R.Chan
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tarlmounia is a plant genus in the family Asteraceae. The sole species is Tarlmounia elliptica (syn. Vernonia elliptica and V. elaeagnifolia), native to India, Burma and Thailand and naturalised in southern Taiwan and Queensland, Australia. Common names include curtain creeper, vernonia creeper and parda bel.
Every 5–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cacalia elaeagnifolia?
Water Cacalia elaeagnifolia every 5–7 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cacalia elaeagnifolia Native To?
What Is the Cacalia elaeagnifolia?
Cacalia elaeagnifolia (Tarlmounia elliptica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tarlmounia genus. Cacalia elaeagnifolia is native to India, Burma and Thailand and naturalised in southern Taiwan and Queensland, Australia. Cacalia elaeagnifolia is also known as Conyza elaeagnifolia, Eupatorium elaeagnifolium, Strobocalyx elliptica.
Cacalia elaeagnifolia displays a compact, mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cacalia elaeagnifolia produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cacalia elaeagnifolia?
Tarlmounia elliptica requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cacalia elaeagnifolia Need?
Cacalia elaeagnifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cacalia elaeagnifolia Prefer?
Tarlmounia elliptica grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cacalia elaeagnifolia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cacalia elaeagnifolia?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cacalia elaeagnifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cacalia elaeagnifolia?
Feed Cacalia elaeagnifolia every 6 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 6 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 Cacalia elaeagnifolia?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Cacalia elaeagnifolia?
Cacalia elaeagnifolia can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.
Is the Cacalia elaeagnifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cacalia elaeagnifolia, 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 Cacalia elaeagnifolia?
Cacalia elaeagnifolia is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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 Cacalia elaeagnifolia Need?
Cacalia elaeagnifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Cacalia elaeagnifolia is native to India, Burma and Thailand and naturalised in southern Taiwan and Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Cacalia elaeagnifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Cacalia elaeagnifolia 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 Tarlmounia genus — compare its care with other Tarlmounia species on PlantoScan.
Tarlmounia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Cacalia elaeagnifolia 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: Tarlmounia elliptica (DC.) H.Rob., S.C.Keeley, Skvarla & R.Chan, family Asteraceae (first published in Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 121(1): 32 (2008)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cacalia elaeagnifolia, 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: Melburnian, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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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