The Cat's Claw Creeper Live Plant (Dolichandra unguis-cati) is a stunning, fast-growing flowering vine ideal for garden walls, fences, arbors, or balcony trellises. This exotic climber features lush green foliage and vibrant yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in abundance during the warm months. Native to South and Central America, this creeper thrives in Indian climates and is a perfect low-maintenance solution for covering spaces beautifully.
Whether you're creating a green privacy wall or decorating your outdoor garden, this creeping flowering plant adds tropical elegance and rapid vertical growth. Known for its resilience and ability to cover structures quickly, it's a favorite among garden enthusiasts and landscape architects.
Type of Plant: Flowering Climber Vine – Live Plant
Scientific Name: Dolichandra unguis-cati
Plant Height at Delivery: 1 to 2 feet
Where to Grow: Outdoors (walls, fences, trellises), patios, balconies
Growing Season: Spring to early winter
Sunlight Requirements: 6–8 hours of direct sunlight
Seed Sowing Depth: Not applicable (live plant)
Ideal Climate: Tropical to subtropical, warm and humid
Fertilizer Needs: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks in growing season
Life Span: Perennial – can live and bloom for several years
Ideal Growing Temperature: 18°C to 29°C
Blooming Time: Spring and summer (Heavy flowering)
Maintenance Required: Low to Medium (Requires pruning and support)
Watering Frequency: Twice a week; keep slightly moist but never soggy
Ideal Grow Bag Size: Minimum 12x12 inches with climbing support
The best time to plant Cat’s Claw Creeper is from February to September, covering the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and early winter seasons. The plant flourishes in Indian heat and rewards growers with abundant yellow blooms from late spring till early autumn, especially when supported with trellises or fences.
Choose a large pot or grow bag (minimum 12x12 inches) and place it in a sunny area. Use a well-draining mix of garden soil, compost, and sand. Provide a vertical support like a bamboo stick, moss pole, or wall-mounted trellis. Water when the topsoil feels slightly dry and feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the active growth phase.
Not applicable. This is a live plant. Transplant the plant into your desired location or pot immediately upon receiving. Water thoroughly and place it in full sun for acclimatization.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun for 6–8 hours daily.
Soil: Loose, fertile, and well-drained soil rich in compost.
Fertilization: Use balanced NPK liquid fertilizer (1:1:1) every 2–3 weeks.
Pruning: Prune back aggressively during winter to control spread and enhance flowering.
Support & Spacing: Needs sturdy support; spacing of 2–3 ft if planting multiples.
Pest Control: Watch for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Use neem oil monthly.
Disease Prevention: Avoid water stagnation to prevent root rot. Ensure good air circulation.
Mulching: Add leaf mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
Harvesting: No harvestable parts; ornamental purpose only.
1. Apply Nutrient-Rich Fertilizers
When your plants begin flowering, use nutrient-rich fertilizers like Organic Bone Meal Powder or Vermicompost. This helps in boosting the bloom and enhances overall yield.
2. Use Organic Fertilizers
Feed your plants with organic fertilizers such as Cow Dung Manure or Neem Cake. Organic options promote healthy soil life.
3. Regular Feeding
Apply fertilizers every 20-25 days to ensure plants receive a steady supply of nutrients. Choose from various options like Cocopeat Compost for moisture retention.
Bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers
Extremely fast-growing climber – perfect for coverage
Tolerant to drought and poor soil once established
Lush foliage for shaded green walls or fences
Great for vertical gardening or landscaping
Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Easy propagation via cuttings
Suitable for hot Indian summers
Excellent as a natural barrier or privacy screen
Decorative creeper for home gardens, balconies, fences
Covers empty walls and pergolas quickly
Provides natural shade and cooling effect
Enhances biodiversity by attracting pollinators
Excellent for vertical landscaping and boundary greening
Low maintenance and cost-effective ornamental plant
Toxic if ingested – Keep away from pets and children
Regular pruning is essential to prevent overgrowth
Needs strong climbing support to prevent breakage
Avoid planting too close to water-sensitive plants
Check frequently for vine invasion in unintended areas
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Leaves | Overwatering | Let topsoil dry, check drainage |
| Slow Growth | Low light or poor soil | Shift to full sun, add compost |
| Pest Infestation | Aphids or spider mites | Neem oil spray every 15 days |
| No Flowering | Insufficient sunlight | Ensure 6–8 hrs of direct sunlight |
| Leaf Drop in Winter | Seasonal dormancy | Normal – new growth will resume in spring |
Cat Claw, Yellow Climber, Trumpet Creeper, Dolichandra, Vallikeerai, Poonthandu, Pili Bel, Billivalli, Murivalli, Manja Kodi
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Sneha
Nice for covering compound wall, grew rapidly after planting.
Priya
Cats Claw Creeper plant was healthy and well packed, started climbing within 10 days.