Stephania erecta care guide
Stephania erecta
Also known as: Stephania
Pets and children
Caution advised
A moonseed-family plant said to contain alkaloids that may cause vomiting if eaten; reliable details are scarce, so keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if ingested.
How often to water Stephania erecta
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- A summer grower: once it has sprouted and the leaves open, water when the topsoil is dry, as a guide; until growth stirs, water only about once a month.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- Once the leaves start to yellow, stretch the gaps to about a week after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- After the leaves drop, keep it nearly dry with a light watering about once a month as a guide.
Light and placement for Stephania erecta
Generally prefers bright, filtered light, such as a sheer-curtained window or an outdoor spot with morning sun only, as a guide; harsh direct sun scorches the leaves, deep shade makes the stems stretch, and the tuber should be kept out of strong sun.
Overwintering Stephania erecta
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Tender: bring it indoors when nights fall below about 15°C, as a guide; it sheds its leaves and rests, so keep the tuber dry and above 10°C through winter.
Fertilizing and repotting Stephania erecta
Fertilizer
While in leaf from June to September, diluted liquid fertilizer about once or twice a month as a guide; none before sprouting or during dormancy.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Stephania erecta
- Watered before it has sprouted, the tuber rots.
- Sprouting can take months, and the tuber is thrown away as dead.
- Direct sun scorches the leaves and marks the tuber.
Tips for growing Stephania erecta
- Plant the tuber with the old stem scar facing up, buried about halfway.
- Wait for sprouting in a bright, warm spot once temperatures pass about 20°C.
- A gritty, free-draining mix in a pot with a drainage hole helps prevent rot during dormancy.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
