Devil's claw (Proboscidea parviflora)
Care, watering, light and tips for Devil's claw on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Martyniaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Devil's claw
Proboscidea parviflora, commonly known as 'Devil's Claw', is a fascinating annual herbaceous plant noted for its distinctive claw-shaped seed pods. It is ideal for warm climate gardens or as a botanical curiosity in pots, offering a rustic and exotic appeal. Its pink to purple flowers are a prelude to its intriguing fruits.
Native range
Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Care tips
It prefers full sun and well-drained soils, including sandy or poor ones, as it is drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. A common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this arid-adapted plant. It's important to collect seeds before the pods harden too much if propagation is desired.
How to save a dying Devil's claw
- Warning signs
- Yellow or wilted leaves, soft stems, poor or no flowering, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Ensure direct, warm sunlight. Remove damaged parts.
- What kills it
- Overwatering leading to root rot or extreme lack of light and warmth.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and the main stem is firm.