Maurandya procumbens

asarina procumbens

Also known as: ["Maurandya procumbens","Creeping snapdragon"]

Family: Plantaginaceae Genus: Asarina Category: Flowers

Overview

A trailing or climbing plant with attractive, tubular flowers, native to Mexico and parts of Central America.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Asarina
Botanical Name: Asarina procumbens

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: hanging baskets, rockeries, or as a ground cover in mild climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, or lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; avoid sudden exposure to intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, fertile, slightly alkaline soil

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Ensure soil doesn’t stay wet; amend with organic matter for nutrients; check pH periodically.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate warmth for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize actively growing plants only; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

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

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (65–75°F)

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and better flowering.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and flowering.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency in hot, dry periods; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

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

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; yellowing or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost.

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; cover with frost cloth; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may stall in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; feed every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Asarina procumbens may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Asarina procumbens can result from water stress, either due to overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both of which impair nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Asarina procumbens may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Asarina procumbens due to excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Asarina procumbens is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are necessary for keeping this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Asarina procumbens is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are necessary for keeping this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Asarina procumbens, commonly known as creeping charlie or moneywort, is not considered toxic to humans. It is often used in ornamental gardens and does not pose significant health risks upon contact or ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Asarina procumbens require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, especially in warmer climates.

Q: How often should I water Asarina procumbens?

A: Water moderately, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Q: Can Asarina procumbens be grown indoors?

A: It is primarily an outdoor plant but can be grown indoors in a bright, well-ventilated area with some humidity.

Quick Reference
Family: Plantaginaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Hedgehyssop
View
Silver Plantain
View
Hoary Plantain
View
Viper's Bugloss
View