The cobaea scandens (ko-BEE-uh SKAN-dens) is a perennial vine with purple cup-shaped flowers. The cabaea scandens is a phlox plant in the Polemoniaceae family.
It is native to Mexico and has been sighted in other tropical areas in South America.
Cobaea scandens is also known as the cup and saucer vine due to the shape of its flowers.
The purple flower comes out in a cup shape with outer petals shaped like a saucer.
The cup and saucer vine also have other nicknames such as:
- Cathedral bells
- Mexican ivy
- Monastery bells
The cobaea scandens can be seen in many gardens in the US as they do well in humid areas and even greenhouses.
Quick Facts On Cobaea Scandens
- Family: Polemoniaceae
- Light: Full outdoor sunlight
- Temperature: 68° to 86° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water regular, not allowing the soil to dry out
- Fertilizer: Organic flower fertilizer
- Propagation: Repot cuttings
- Common Problems: Aphids, spider mites
Cobaea Scandens Care
How Big Do Cathedral Bells Grow?
The cabaea scandens plant is a climbing vine that is fast growing. Its stems will grow full of leaves and numerous branches.
A cup of saucer vine can grow up to 24′ feet. You can train the fast-growing vine to grow along structures and trellises using plant clips and ties.
When Do Cathedral Bells Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The cobaea scandens is a perennial flower, blooming twice a year in the spring and summer.
The flowers are brilliantly purple and bell-shaped, with green leaves and petals at the base.
In its first year of growth, you may notice that your cup of saucer vine will now bloom until late summer. A mature vine will bloom earlier in the growing season.
When the flowers have completely bloomed, they will have a honey scent. However, the buds of the flowers will have an unpleasant, rotting scent.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The cabaea scandens enjoy the full sun throughout the day. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting your vine in a shaded area so it can optimally grow and bloom.
The vine grows great in warm weather and should not be exposed to temperatures below 45° degrees Fahrenheit.
If you want your vine to grow throughout the year, it is best to place it indoors in the winter, so it does not get too cold.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Cobaea Scandens?
The cobaea scandens need a good amount of water throughout the summer months, once or twice a week. It is best to make sure not to let the soil dry out.
In the winter, you can decrease the watering as long as the soil does not dry out.
As for fertilizer, you should use organic water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season once or twice a month.
If your cobaea scandens is growing excessively, you can skip the fertilizer when you feel it is necessary.
What Is The Best Soil For Cobaea Scandens And When Should You Transplant?
When your cobaea scandens is a young and new plant, it is best to plant it in sandy soil. The sandy soil will help the roots retain water and encourage growth.
As your vine matures, you can transplant it to regular potting soil or garden soil with proper drainage.
Mature plants should be transplanted right before the growing season in the spring. This will encourage growth and give them enough space to reach new lengths and blooms.
If your plant becomes root-bound in its pot, it is time to repot the plant. This will happen every 1 to 2 years.
Make sure to repot your cobaea scandens in new potting soil at the beginning of spring.
Does Cobaea Scandens Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Maintenance of your cobaea scandens will be needed to produce larger blooms. In early spring, you should pinch and trim the side shoots.
If you do not trim your vine, the leaves will hide the flowers and stop your vine from growing full blossoms.
How To Propagate The Cup And Saucer Vine?
You should take cuttings from the original plant to propagate your cup and saucer vine. In a small pot with sandy soil, you will repot your cuttings and cover them with plastic.
Once they develop roots, keeping them in a cool place with lots of sunlight is important. In the summer, they will gain their first flowers.
After their first summer, you can repot them in larger pots and regular potting soil in the following spring season.
You can also take seeds from your blooming cobaea scandens and pot the seeds in sandy soil in small pots. Water the seeds once or twice a week.
You will repot your seedlings when they have grown two or three inches in size.
Make sure to start propagation in early spring to encourage growth.
Cup And Saucer Vine Pests and Diseases
The cup and saucer vine normally does not have issues with diseases. However, in dry conditions, they may attract some pests.
Aphids and spider mites are usually the culprits in an infestation on your cup of saucer vine. Unfortunately, spider mites may be difficult to get rid of.
It is important to trim the plant and spray it with insecticide to stop an infestation.