Smilax herbacea aka Carrion Flower

Caring for Carrion Flower is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Carrion Flower’s native range is Eastern N. America - southwards from Quebec.

Carrion Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

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.

Carrion Flower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Jacob's Ladder is always in the right place to thrive.

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.

Carrion Flower is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

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.