Rangoon Creeper (Combretum indicum)

Rangoon Creeper

Combretum indicum

Its flowers shift color from white to pink to red, a daily love letter to sunlight. Deciduous climbing vine; common name: Rangoon Creeper.

Full sun
2–3/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires at least 6 hours of direct daily sunlight for abundant blooming; tolerates partial afternoon shade in extreme heat
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to avoid leaf damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval, glossy green opposite leaves with smooth margins
  • Flower: Clustered tubular blooms that change color over 3 days (white → pink → deep red)
  • Stem: Woody twining stems with aerial roots for climbing anchorage
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn to prepare the vine for dormancy

Banana peel compost tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Trim overgrown stems in late winter to maintain desired shape and promote new growth
  • Deadhead spent flower clusters to extend the blooming period
  • Thin dense foliage to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes growing love and devotion in some Southeast Asian cultural traditions

Usage: Ornamental climbing vine for arbors, fences, and trellises; fragrant blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds