Golden Chalice Vine

solandra guttata

Also known as: ["Golden Chalice Vine","Gutted Solandra"]

Family: Solandra Genus: Solandra Category: Flowers

Overview

A vigorous, woody vine with large, glossy leaves and impressive, fragrant yellow flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solandra
Family: Solandra
Genus: Solandra
Botanical Name: Solandra guttata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor or outdoor pot in a sheltered, bright location
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°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 mix with cactus soil, perlite, and a small amount of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light cycles.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid placing near west-facing windows in summer.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter

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

Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; topdress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but dislikes drafts or extreme heat.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain moderate humidity in hot weather.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings with at least two nodes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

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

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), and indirect light.

Medium

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

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

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

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut just above a leaf node or bud; avoid cutting into old wood.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant, remove dead/damaged growth, and encourage bushier form; best done after flowering or in early spring.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune selectively; remove dead/diseased parts; shape evenly.

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 needed; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

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 at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without saturation; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or yellowing in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and increases susceptibility to root rot.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth may stall, and water demand increases.

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

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in dormant season.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Solandra guttata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Solandra guttata can be caused by water stress, either due to overwatering leading to root rot or underwatering causing dehydration, both of which impair nutrient uptake and plant stability.

Leaf spots on Solandra guttata may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf drop, and overall decline in plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Solandra guttata is often a result of excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Solandra guttata. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal distress, neurological dysfunction, and cardiovascular issues, which may be fatal if not treated promptly.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting excessive drooling tremors seizures weakness difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Seek emergency veterinary care if poisoning is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Solandra guttata can lead to gastrointestinal upset, neurological signs, and potentially life-threatening cardiac effects due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. The plant poses a significant risk to canine health.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors seizures arrhythmias
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Solandra guttata contains solanaceous alkaloids, which can cause significant physiological effects including central nervous system depression, hallucinations, and cardiovascular disturbances. The plant's toxicity is systemic and can lead to severe health complications if ingested.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting dizziness hallucinations tachycardia respiratory depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
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 Solandra guttata toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats.

Q: How often should I water Solandra guttata?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Solandra guttata require full sun?

A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended.

Quick Reference
Family: Solandra
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun with
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","fragrance lovers"]
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