Goat's Foot Morning Glory

ipomoea pes-caprae

Also known as: ["Beach Morning Glory","Sand Vine"]

Family: Convolvulaceae Genus: Ipomoea Category: Vines

Overview

A creeping vine with heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped flowers, commonly found in coastal areas.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Ipomoea
Botanical Name: Ipomoea pes-caprae

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Vines
  • Suitable Location: coastal areas, sandy dunes, or rock gardens
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates coastal conditions and high light intensity. Adjust for extreme heat by providing partial shade during peak afternoon hours.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn or fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil fertility); root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is essential; rotate plants for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Soil

sandy, well-draining soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (20–30°C); tolerates coastal breezes and moderate heat. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C.

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering for temperature changes.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months

Avoid over-fertilizing; use a balanced formula; apply during active growth.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common and reliable method.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (20–25°C), humid environment with bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems back to a leaf node or lateral branch; remove dead or crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to control spread, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune at the right time; remove dead/damaged growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose the right pot size; use fresh soil; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Allow water to drain freely; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter or drought. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback; prolonged cold can lead to root rot.

Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors; use mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute as recommended; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; apply lightly every 6–8 weeks during growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Ipomoea pes-caprae may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, environmental stress like waterlogging or drought, or infestation by pests or pathogens.

Wilting in Ipomoea pes-caprae is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient soil moisture or root damage from pathogens or pests, which can lead to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Ipomoea pes-caprae are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and, in severe cases, lead to leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Ipomoea pes-caprae is commonly caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils, leading to decay of plant tissues, impaired water and nutrient transport, and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume the seeds of Ipomoea pes-caprae. The alkaloids present can cause digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep seeds out of reach of cats. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Ipomoea pes-caprae contain alkaloids that may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from ingesting seeds. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Ipomoea pes-caprae, commonly known as goat's foot, contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ipomoea pes-caprae invasive?

A: It can be invasive in some regions due to its rapid growth and adaptability to sandy soils.

Q: Does it require frequent watering?

A: No, it is drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy, well-drained soils.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Convolvulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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