Velvet Strophanthus Plant Care
Strophanthus welwitschii K.Schum.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Strophanthus welwitschii grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall, or as a liana up to 8 metres (26 ft) long, with a stem diameter up to 10 centimetres (4 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a white turning purple corolla, creamy and red or purple-streaked on the inside.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Velvet Strophanthus?
Water Velvet Strophanthus 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 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% 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.
What Is the Velvet Strophanthus?
Velvet Strophanthus (Strophanthus welwitschii) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Strophanthus genus. Velvet Strophanthus is native to Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Angola and Zambia.
Velvet Strophanthus displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Velvet Strophanthus produces tubular white or yellow flowers with a distinct shape.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Velvet Strophanthus?
Strophanthus welwitschii 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 Velvet Strophanthus Need?
Velvet Strophanthus thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Velvet Strophanthus 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 Velvet Strophanthus Prefer?
Strophanthus welwitschii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Velvet Strophanthus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Velvet Strophanthus?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Velvet Strophanthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Velvet Strophanthus?
Feed Velvet Strophanthus 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 Velvet Strophanthus?
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 Velvet Strophanthus?
Velvet Strophanthus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to strophanthus amboensis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Velvet Strophanthus 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 Velvet Strophanthus?
Velvet Strophanthus 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 Velvet Strophanthus Need?
Velvet Strophanthus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Velvet Strophanthus is native to Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Angola and Zambia. In cooler regions, grow Velvet Strophanthus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Velvet Strophanthus 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 Strophanthus genus — compare its care with other Strophanthus species on PlantoScan.
Strophanthus is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Velvet Strophanthus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Strophanthus Species
Other Strophanthus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Strophanthus welwitschii K.Schum., family Apocynaceae (first published in Nat. Pflanzenfam. , Nachtr. 2: 59 (1900)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Velvet Strophanthus 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 13b, 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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