Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Ipomoea alba or Moonflower

The genus Ipomoea, family Convolvulaceae, comprises 300 species of climbing plants native to America and Africa. Some species are: Ipomaea alba, Ipomoea tricolor, Ipomoea purpurea, Ipomoea acuminata, Ipomoea lobata, Ipomoea indica, Ipomoea hederacea, Ipomoea coccinea, Ipomoea cairica.

Common names: Moon vine, Moonflower, Tropical white morning-glory. This species comes from tropical and subtropical regions of the American continent.

They are evergreen plants with a climbing or creeping bearing that reach 7 meters (22.96 feet) in length. They have large heart-shaped leaves of deep green color. The large flowers are funnel-shaped, white and scented, open at night and close in the early morning. They can bloom from spring to early fall.

These fast-growing plants are used as climbers (they need supports) to cover walls, fences or pergolas and as coverings for low walls and slopes. In cold climates they behave like annual plants.

Ipomoea alba can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposures; needs warm climates.

They can grow in any type of soil, be it clay or sandy; they prefer well-drained soils that contain organic matter.

Water frequently so that the substrate never dries completely: 2-3 times a week in summer, 1-2 times in spring and fall and once a week in winter.

Fertilize in early spring with compost.

Prune after flowering to remove wilted flowers and leaves and control growth.

If the humidity is low they can be attacked by aphids, mites and mealybugs.

They propagate from seeds sown in spring previously soaked in hot water for 24 hours. They also reproduce by stem cuttings in summer.

Images of the climbing plant Ipomoea alba or Moonflower