Swallowwort Plant Care
Vincetoxicum forsteri Meve & Liede
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Vincetoxicum forsteri is a species of plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceaethat is endemic to Australia. It was first described by Paul Irwin Forster in 1992 as Tylophora linearis.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Swallowwort?
Water Swallowwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Swallowwort Native To?
What Is the Swallowwort?
Swallowwort (Vincetoxicum forsteri) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Vincetoxicum genus. Swallowwort is native to Australia.
Swallowwort displays a vining, twining habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Swallowwort produces small, star-shaped white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Swallowwort?
Vincetoxicum forsteri 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 Swallowwort Need?
Swallowwort thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Swallowwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Swallowwort Prefer?
Vincetoxicum forsteri grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Swallowwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Swallowwort?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Swallowwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Swallowwort?
Feed Swallowwort 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 Swallowwort?
Repot every 1-2 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 Swallowwort?
Swallowwort can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white swallow-wort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Swallowwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Swallowwort?
Swallowwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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 Swallowwort Need?
Swallowwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Swallowwort is native to Australia. In cooler regions, grow Swallowwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Swallowwort 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 Vincetoxicum genus — compare its care with other Vincetoxicum species on PlantoScan.
Vincetoxicum is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Swallowwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Vincetoxicum Species
Other Vincetoxicum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Vincetoxicum forsteri Meve & Liede, family Apocynaceae (first published in Phytotaxa 369(3): 145. 2018 [18 Sep 2018] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Swallowwort is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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