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full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours) is required -- at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light results in sparse blooms and leggy growth.Light
Water regularly, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. In summer, this may be 2-3 times per week. Reduce to weekly in winter. Overwatering causes root rot.Water
Prefers moderate to high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby), reflecting its tropical origins. Tolerates average indoor conditions but performs best in humid environments.Humidity
frost tender (will die if exposed to freezing temperatures. Bring inside when nights drop below 50F / 10C) tropical. Needs night temperatures above 60-65°F and day temperatures of 70°F or higher. Bring indoors or treat as a summer annual in frost-prone zones.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Allamanda plant

Allamanda

Allamanda cathartica

Moderate

Allamanda cathartica is a sun-hungry tropical vine that throws out large, butter-yellow trumpet flowers almost nonstop in warm weather -- the kind of plant that makes a pergola look like it belongs in Rio. It grows fast, blooms heavily, and asks for very little beyond full sun and consistent moisture. The species name cathartica is Latin for 'cathartic,' a fair warning: every part of this plant is toxic if ingested, and the milky sap will irritate your skin, so gloves are a good idea.

Allamanda plant
Prenn via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Allamanda plant
Prenn via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Care Guide

How to grow Allamanda

Light

full sun (6 or more

Water

Water regularly, allowing the top

Humidity

60-80%

Temperature

60-65°F

Soil

Well-draining mix with good organic content.

Propagation

Stem tip cuttings taken in

Common Problems

Scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites,

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The genus Allamanda was named by Linnaeus in honor of Dr. Frederic-Louis Allamand, a Swiss physician and botanist who visited Guyana in the early 18th century -- making this a plant with an impressive dedication.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Highly toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. All plant parts contain iridoid lactones and cardiac glycosides causing vomiting, diarrhea, and irregular heartbeat. The sap irritates skin and eyes. Seek immediate veterinary or medical attention if ingested.

Sources

  1. Allamanda cathartica - Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Allamanda cathartica - Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. Allamanda cathartica - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Allamanda cathartica - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Allamanda cathartica: Allamanda - IVIS Guide to Poisonous Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Allamanda cathartica: Allamanda - IVIS Guide to Poisonous Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Allamanda cathartica - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  8. Allamanda cathartica - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  9. Golden Trumpet, Allamanda cathartica - Wisconsin Horticulture Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
  10. Golden Trumpet, Allamanda cathartica - Wisconsin Horticulture Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
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