Hawaiian baby woodrose (Argyreia nervosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Hawaiian baby woodrose on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Convolvulaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Hawaiian baby woodrose
Argyreia nervosa, commonly known as Elephant Creeper, is an impressive, vigorous climbing plant from the Convolvulaceae family, famed for its large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped pink-purple flowers. Its silvery undersides and rapid growth make it ideal for covering pergolas, fences, or as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens, creating a lush and striking effect. It can also be grown in large pots with support, where its leaves and flowers will shine on sunny patios.
Native range
Indian subcontinent
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal growth, although it tolerates some partial shade. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during active growth periods; reduce watering in winter. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is the lack of adequate support, as it is a very vigorous climber that needs something to cling to in order to develop fully.
How to save a dying Hawaiian baby woodrose
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilting and soft leaves; weak, watery stems. Leaf drop.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If soil is waterlogged, remove excess water. If dry, water thoroughly.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, causing root rot. Also, complete lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- If only part of the roots are damaged, yes. Remove rot and repot in dry substrate.