Light:

Full sun or partial sun (a south, east or west exposure).  They do benefit from full direct sunlight as much as possible.

Temperature:

Maintain indoor temperatures above 60°for a potted plant.

Humidity:

Preferably 50% or higher; however, they will tolerate low levels with no harm.

Watering:

Bring soil to a state of dryness between watering.   When watering, thoroughly saturate soil until a little water runs out of the bottom of the pot.  Growing in a clay pot will help maintain a healthy root system.

Fertilizer:

Under high light they are moderate feeders and need regular applications of fertilizer.  Be sure to use a feed with an elevated phosphate level.  Excessive nitrogen will produce a rank vine with few flowers.

Pruning:

Prune after the flowering cycle is complete.  They bloom on the new and old growth, so hard pruning will slow down flowering.

Insects and Disease:

Strongylodon have little susceptibility to insects.  Under damp soil conditions and cool temperatures in the winter, they can have problems with root diseases.  Growing them on the dry side at this time of year eliminates the problem.

Comments:  

Strongylodon is a large and rambunctious vine that blooms in the spring as the days lengthen and the temperatures are cooler.  It needs a base stem of ¾ to 1” in diameter before it begins to flower.  As an ornamental plant it is best suited for ground planting in the tropical garden or northern conservatory.  As a potted plant it will flower if given a large container and maximum light; however, flowering is best achieved with a ground planted specimen.  As a conservatory plant it needs temperatures above 55 degrees.  If grown in too cold greenhouses the root systems suffer.