Nematanthus Candy Corn Plant Care Detailed Guide: How to Care for Halloween’s #1 Plant
The Nematanthus Candy Corn plant (also known as the Candy Corn tree) is a beautiful and unique house plant – especially for any Halloween candy lovers!
This plant’s distinctive orange and yellow flower resembles the bulk candy by the same name. The Nematanthus plant is a part of the Cuphea genus of plants which contains over 250 perennials and semi-woody shrubs hailing from tropical and temperate regions. These plants are great for beginners as their care regimen is pretty low maintenance.
This Nematanthus Candy Corn plant care guide will walk you through all the necessary steps of how to take care of a corn plant.
Water
The Nematanthus Candy Corn plant experiences a period of growth from spring until early fall. During this growth period, it prefers soil that is evenly moist.
During the winter, however, it needs very little water to survive. Watering maybe once or twice a month is just about all this guy needs during the winter, but pay attention to signs of health. If your plant looks shriveled or wilted, these are indicators that it needs more water.
Since the watering process for this houseplant is so simple and straightforward, this makes it a great beginner plant for new plant parents!
Light and Humidity
This variety of plants enjoy full sun from a west-facing or south window to produce the most blooms. However, it can grow in partial sun as well. These plants enjoy warm temperatures and will grow in both humid and dry climates.
Soil and Fertilizer
Good drainage and adequate aeration are necessary for the Candy Corn plant to thrive. Using equal parts perlite, all-purpose potting soil and peat moss make a good mixture for hanging baskets and containers. Clay soil is also acceptable. It is just important to avoid boggy or wet soils as that can lead to root rot.
Since this plant is so hearty, fertilizer isn’t necessary. However, they do enjoy an inch of compost to boost growth.
Cleaning and Pruning
You can prune your Candy Corn plant to keep it tidy and reign in its size as a houseplant. Regular pruning will not reduce the number of blooms it produces, since it can grow flowers all along each stem. Do a larger prune in late winter to help encourage new growth come springtime.
Candy Corn Plant Propagation
Due to its unique beauty pretty soon we’re sure you will be ready for some corn plant propagation!
To propagate, you will first take softwood cuttings in the springtime. Make the cut approximately four inches from a stem that is not blooming. Then your next step will be to place the cutting into moist potting soil. Choose a location with partial shade and keep the cutting constantly moist until it develops roots. This last step of Candy Corn plant propagation usually takes around six weeks.
Repotting
These lovely plants like to spread out, so hanging pots work well. If you choose to grow them upright, their vines will require support as they grow. This can be achieved through the use of trellises or stakes or by letting them climb fences or other support structures.
Our Final Words of Candy Corn Plant Care
Nematanthus Candy Corn plants are hearty and beautiful. Make sure to watch your plant’s growth and prune to your desired size, as this variety can tend to grow quickly and spread out. Since these plants love to spread out, you should also consider a hanging basket as a solution to size restrictions indoors.
This resilient plant is great for new and seasoned plant parents alike and makes a beautiful statement piece for any space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat Candy Corn plant?
While this plant isn’t listed as toxic, it is not recommended for consumption.
Can you grow a Candy Corn plant indoors?
Yes! These plants make great indoor friends. Since this variety of plants does like to spread out, if you are growing one indoors, a hanging basket is a great option for indoor size restrictions.
How often should you water a Candy Corn plant?
Since it experiences a growth period from spring to early fall during which it prefers moist soil that is neither too dry or wet. However, during the winter when it isn’t growing, the Candy Corn tree can survive with very little watering of only once or twice a month.
How do I get my Candy Corn to bloom?
Doing a larger pruning in late winter will help to encourage blooms come springtime. It’s important to note that pruning will not harm your plant nor will it deter blooming as it blooms all along the stem.
How do you care for Nematanthus plants?
Light: Nematanthus plants enjoy full sun for the best blooms.
Water: It’s important that you water the Nematanthus plants thoroughly but also take care not to oversaturate them, especially in the winter.
Soil: Nematanthus plants require good drainage and adequate aeration but luckily they are hearty enough to not need fertilizer.
Is the Nematanthus a succulent?
The Nematanthus is not classified as a succulent but it does have leaves that are small, succulent, and hard-surfaced.
Is Nematanthus toxic to dogs?
Nematanthus plants are considered non-toxic and pet-friendly!
