Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris)
Care, watering, light and tips for Puncturevine on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Zygophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Puncturevine
Tribulus terrestris, commonly known as puncture vine or bindii, is an annual creeping plant from the Zygophyllaceae family, characterized by its small yellow flowers and distinctive spiny fruits. It's a robust plant that can form dense mats, ideal for ground cover in warm climate gardens or dry areas where other plants struggle, provided its seeds are managed. Its prostrate nature makes it suitable for rock gardens or as natural ground cover in low-traffic areas.
Native range
Warm temperate regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun and tolerates drought conditions, requiring minimal watering once established. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor or sandy ones, and is not demanding regarding nutrients. The most common mistake is allowing its spiny seeds to disperse unchecked, which can turn it into an invasive weed in suitable climates; it is recommended to remove the fruits before they mature if propagation is not desired.
How to save a dying Puncturevine
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish leaves, weak or dry stems, no flowering or fruiting.
- First aid
- Move to full sun, check drainage, water only when soil is dry. Remove dry or damaged parts.
- What kills it
- Too much shade, constant waterlogging, or prolonged drought. It's a drought-tolerant plant.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's very hardy. With sun and good drainage, it recovers, even if badly damaged.