Uncarina care guide
Uncarina
Also known as: Uncarina roeoesliana, Uncarina grandidieri
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Uncarina
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- A summer grower that drinks freely in growth: water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide, and hold back before it leafs out in spring.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- Growth slows as it cools, so wait a few days after the soil dries before watering, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Once the leaves drop, keep it nearly dry with a light watering about once a month as a guide, or about twice a month if it keeps leaves in a warm room.
Light and placement for Uncarina
Generally wants full sun: from spring to fall, a sunny outdoor spot with moving air is the guide, since too little light gives leaves but few flowers; it tolerates midsummer sun fairly well.
Overwintering Uncarina
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Tender: bring it to a sunny spot indoors when nights fall below about 15°C, as a guide; it drops its leaves and rests dry, kept above 10°C.
Fertilizing and repotting Uncarina
Fertilizer
From May to September, a little slow-release fertilizer or diluted liquid feed about twice a month as a guide; none while dormant.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Uncarina
- Watered during winter dormancy, the caudex rots.
- Too little sun makes the branches leggy and stops flowering.
- Brought in too late in fall, the leaves and shoot tips are damaged by cold.
Tips for growing Uncarina
- The fruits carry hooked spines that cling to clothing and fur, so handle them with care.
- Cuttings rarely form a fat caudex; choose a seed-grown plant if the thick trunk is the point.
- Given plenty of sun, it produces a succession of yellow flowers through summer.
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.
