Strophanthus gratus is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae.
Ouabain is highly disease resistant and generally not prone to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Ouabaint is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not need much care experience.
How to keep Strophanthus Gratus.
Light
Ouabain is native to habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows under natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, reflecting its flexible and hardy character.
Water
Ouabain thrives in a humid environment similar to its natural tropical habitat. For optimal growth, it should be watered every 1 to 2 weeks. Being an evergreen plant, ouabain efficiently retains water, which makes it well-suited for indoor cultivation where humidity can be controlled.
Temperature
Ouabain comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a consistent thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically cannot withstand cold and requires warmer conditions for growth. If the surrounding temperature drops too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Ouabain is in early spring, when it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are large, vivid, and long-lasting. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
Ouabain is a plant known for its glossy leaves and fragrant flowers. To maintain its health and appearance, it's important to prune it in early spring. When pruning, focus on removing dead wood and thinning out crowded branches. Cut back to outward-facing buds to improve airflow and encourage more blooms. Regular pruning also helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools for effective cuts and to minimize the risk of infection.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Strophanthus
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 4.88 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
- Native Area
- Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Liberia, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Guinea, Gabon, Congo (DRC), Central African Republic, Congo
Other names.