Climbing morning glory
ipomoea hederifolia
Also known as: ["Scarlet morning glory","Creeper morning glory"]
Overview
A vigorous, twining vine with heart-shaped leaves and bright scarlet flowers that bloom in the morning.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus: | Ipomoea |
| Botanical Name: | Ipomoea hederifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: trellis or fence in a sunny garden, or container with support structure
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy or less vibrant.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching. For indoor placement, use a south-facing window or supplement with grow lights.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense midday sun; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Prefers stable temperatures and may struggle in prolonged cold or heat extremes.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; use shade cloth in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least two nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or moist soil.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water for initial rooting.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars, well-draining soil or water.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; change water regularly if using water propagation; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim back leggy stems; remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts. Regular pruning improves air circulation and flowering.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune in early morning or evening; remove dead/diseased parts; cut just above a leaf node.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting more frequently.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without waterlogging. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter or dormant periods. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth in cold; leaf scorch, wilting, or flower drop in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, reduce flowering, and can cause root damage or death in frost conditions.
Solution: Protect from frost with row covers or move containers indoors. Ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering, especially if combined with low humidity.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal and neurological effects if they ingest the seeds of Ipomoea hederifolia. The toxicity is generally low, but symptoms should be addressed promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Ipomoea hederifolia can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and mild neurological symptoms in dogs if ingested. The effects are typically not life-threatening but should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicIpomoea hederifolia contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to temporary discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ipomoea hederifolia invasive?
A: It can be vigorous and spread quickly in favorable conditions, but it is not typically classified as highly invasive.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun and may not bloom well in shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Convolvulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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