Candy Corn Plant, a Tropical Vine

Botanical Name: Manettia inflata

 

A vigorous climber, you can train Candy Corn Plant on a trellis. Its densely leaf-covered twining stems look even more lush when gathered around a support.

You could also plant this beautiful, tropical vine in a hanging basket -- if you like -- where it will trail as long as you allow them to. Of course, you can cut them back in spring to keep the plant bushy and full.

Moving your plant outdoors for the spring and summer will give it the sunshine it needs to grow and bloom.

This is a frost-tender plant. In fact, it doesn't do well in cold temperatures, so be sure to bring it back indoors when the temperature drops in fall.

Pruning Tip: Cut the stems back by half in spring, when new growth begins. Be careful not to remove flower buds. Pruning will promote new growth and keep it in shape. Use sharp pruners to avoid tearing the stems.

The unusual, hairy, tubular flowers are reddish-orange with yellow tips. Give Candy Corn Plant enough light, and you'll enjoy a delightful show of blooms from summer through fall. The flowers are nearly an inch (2.5 cm) long and arise from the leaf axils on short stalks.

Did you know...

Candy Corn Plant is in the Rubiaceae family. Although there is no resemblance, it shares this family tree with coffee plants.

Repot in spring when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes of the pot. Move up only 1 pot size because this flowering vine blooms best when slightly pot-bound.

Don't worry about pruning and repotting at the same time. This vigorous, vining plant can take it.

Candy Corn Plant Care

 

Origin: South America

Height: 6 ft (1.8 m) or more, if not pruned back

Light: Bright light to full sun

Water: Keep the soil evenly moist spring through fall. Water sparingly in winter.

Humidity: Moderate room humidity

Temperature: Average room temperatures (65-75°F/18-24°C). If you move your plant outdoors for the summer, don't worry -- it can take the heat. It won't, however, tolerate cold temperatures (below 55°F/13°C).

Soil: Any good potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall with a high-potassium fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take non-flowering stem tip cuttings in spring or early summer and root in moist soil.