Smilax herbacea aka Carrion Flower
Taxonomy ID: 5101
Common names
Carrion Flower, Jacob's Ladder, Smooth Carrion FlowerMore information about Carrion Flower
How difficult is it to take care of Carrion Flower
Caring for Carrion Flower is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
What is the region of origin of Carrion Flower
Carrion Flower’s native range is Eastern N. America - southwards from Quebec.
What are the water needs for Carrion Flower
Carrion Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Carrion Flower
Carrion Flower is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Jacob's Ladder is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Jacob's Ladder with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Carrion Flower with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
What is the sunlight requirement for Carrion Flower
To ensure optimal growth, the Carrion Flower prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Carrion Flower
The Carrion Flower should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Is Carrion Flower toxic to humans/pets?
Carrion Flower is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
What seasonal care does Carrion Flower need?
During the cold period, it is common for Carrion Flower to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Smilax Genus
Smilax tamnoides Bristly Greenbrier
Smilax bracteata Smilax Bracteata
Smilax officinalis
Smilax herbacea Carrion Flower
Smilax bona-nox Catbrier
Smilax aristolochiifolia Sarsaparilla
Smilax laurifolia Bamboovine
Smilax anceps Smilax
Smilax maritima Smilax Maritima