Thunbergia alata aka Blackeyed Susan Vine

Taxonomy

Thunbergia alata, commonly known as black-eyed Susan vine, is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to Eastern Africa but has spread to other parts of the world. This vine is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and hanging baskets. The name "Black-eyed Susan" is believed to have originated from a character in traditional ballads and songs. The plant can reach up to 2.4m tall and has heart-shaped leaves. Its flowers, which bloom from summer to early autumn, come in various colors including red, pink, apricot, pale yellow, and cream. All of them feature a distinct dark brown center. Despite resembling daisies from afar, the flowers actually have tubular shapes with five overlapping petals surrounding the center tube. The leaves, growing opposite each other, are medium-green and can be either heart-shaped or lance-like. Black-eyed Susan vine climbs by twining around support structures rather than using tendrils. Overall, it is a visually striking and low-maintenance plant.

Common names

Blackeyed Susan Vine, Black Eyed Susan, Black Eyed Susan Vine

How to care for Blackeyed Susan Vine

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Blackeyed Susan Vine, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Blackeyed Susan Vine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Blackeyed Susan Vine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Blackeyed Susan Vine requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Blackeyed Susan Vine will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia