Rangoon Creeper

quisqualis indica

Also known as: ["Chinese Honeysuckle","Drunkard's Vine","Madras Creeper"]

Family: Combretaceae Genus: Quisqualis Category: Flowers

Overview

A vigorous, deciduous vine with fragrant, tubular flowers that change color from white to pink to red as they age.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Combretaceae
Genus: Quisqualis
Botanical Name: Quisqualis indica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor garden in warm climates
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Fragrance Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates, rarely required in humid environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during growing season; heavy pruning in late winter or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid leaf burn; provide shade during peak summer heat; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for optimal light.

Watering

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

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

Soil

well-draining, fertile loamy soil

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

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; refresh soil mix annually.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions, 65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures and dislikes frost.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain humidity in dry, warm conditions.

Fertilizing

every 2–4 weeks during growing season, monthly in spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning roots; fertilize after watering to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; take 4–6 inch cuttings with at least two nodes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist.
  5. Provide humidity.
  6. Wait for roots.

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

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix or perlite and peat moss mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.

Timeline

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

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; maintain humidity until roots form.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems to a leaf node or bud; remove crossing or crowded branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape as desired.

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

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

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes healthier growth and prevents root-bound conditions.

Checklist

Select appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

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

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the root zone without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or drop; plant becomes more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; cover with a frost cloth if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; increased water demand to prevent dehydration.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mist foliage to cool the plant.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Quisqualis indica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Quisqualis indica can be caused by water stress, either due to overwatering leading to root rot or underwatering causing dehydration, both of which impair the plant's ability to transport water.

Leaf spots on Quisqualis indica may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop if the infection spreads.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Quisqualis indica is often a result of excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to fungal infections that decompose plant tissues and can be fatal if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to mild toxicity from ingesting the seeds of Quisqualis indica. The alkaloids present can lead to gastrointestinal distress and mild neurological symptoms in felines.

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

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the seeds. If ingestion is suspected, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Quisqualis indica contain compounds that can be mildly toxic to dogs if ingested. The alkaloids may cause gastrointestinal upset and mild neurological effects in canines.

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

if eaten

Keep seeds out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Quisqualis indica, commonly known as Rangoon Creeper, contains quinolizidine alkaloids in its seeds, which can cause mild to moderate toxicity if ingested. The alkaloids interfere with the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort and mild physiological disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain dizziness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds. Keep away from children and pets. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
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: Does the Rangoon Creeper flower all year round?

A: No, it typically flowers from late spring to early autumn, depending on the climate.

Q: How should I prune the Rangoon Creeper?

A: Prune in late winter or early spring to control growth and encourage flowering.

Q: Can the Rangoon Creeper be grown in containers?

A: Yes, but it requires a large container and support for climbing due to its vigorous growth habit.

Quick Reference
Family: Combretaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","fragrance lovers","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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