Moth Vine (Araujia sericifera)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerate mild afternoon shade in hot, arid climates to prevent leaf scorch

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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

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Temperature Thrives in 15–25°C; tolerates light frost down to 5°C, with top growth dying back and regrowing from roots in spring

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Leaf: Opposite, glossy dark green ovate leaves with smooth, entire margins
Flower: Fragrant creamy-white to pale lavender moth-shaped blooms with five fused petals
Stem: Slender twining woody stems containing toxic milky latex sap

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization entirely in autumn and winter when growth slows

Banana peel compost tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to support flower production

Pruning

Trim back overgrown or tangled stems in early spring to promote bushier growth and better flowering
Remove dead, yellowing, or diseased foliage regularly to improve air circulation
Cut frost-damaged top growth back to ground level in early spring to encourage healthy regrowth

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains cardiac glycosides that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and irregular heart rate

Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion causes mild gastrointestinal upset; contact with sap may irritate skin

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental climbing vine for arbors and trellises; classified as invasive in some regions due to aggressive growth