Moth plant (Araujia sericifera)
Care, watering, light and tips for Moth plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Moth plant
Araujia sericifera, commonly known as Bladderflower or Moth Plant, is a fast-growing woody vine native to South America. It produces fragrant white or pinkish flowers that attract pollinators, followed by distinctive bladder-shaped green fruits containing silky seeds. It's an excellent choice for covering pergolas, fences, or walls, adding a rustic and fragrant touch to the garden.
Native range
South America (mainly Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay)
Care tips
It thrives in full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering. Regular watering is needed, especially in warm climates and during blooming, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. It adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils, though it prefers fertile ones. Avoid planting it near vulnerable native species, as it can become invasive in some regions.
How to save a dying Moth plant
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or premature leaf drop, soft stems, lack of flowers or seed pods.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture; prune damaged stems, transplant to a sunny spot if possible.
- What kills it
- Overwatering or heavy, poorly drained soil; it quickly drowns its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if watering and drainage are corrected promptly, it's quite resilient.