Creeping cucumber (Solena amplexicaulis) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

About

More Info

Distribution

Care FAQ

More About How-Tos

Related Plants

Home > Plant Encyclopedia > Creeping cucumber

More Info

Plant Type

Vine

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Cucurbitales

Family

Gourd

Genus

Solena

Species

Creeping cucumber

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Distribution Map

Habitat

Tropical mixed forests, thickets, hilly areas, semi-cultivated areas, roadside verges

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Creeping cucumber

Watering

Sunlight

What's the best method to water my Creeping cucumber?

You might want to put a garden hose at the plant base to ensure that you're promoting excellent root development. Avoid directly spraying the leaves, and know that the leaves will require more watering if they are outdoors and facing direct sunlight. You can also use bubblers that you can put on to each plant to moisten the roots. Also, use soaker hoses that can cover the entire garden or bed when adding or removing plants to push the roots deeply. Drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering. Water at ground level to prevent diseases. On a sunny day, you might want to spray the entire bush with water. Whether potted or in-ground, please remember Creeping cucumber prefers deep watering over light sprinkling.

What should I do if I water Creeping cucumber too much/too little?

An overwatered Creeping cucumber can start to have leaves that turn yellow, drop off and wilt. The plant can also look dull and unhealthy, with signs of mushy stems. When they are beginning to show these signs, it's best to adjust your schedule whenever possible.

The wilting can also be a sign of under watering as well. You might see that the leaves begin to turn crispy and dry while the overwatered ones will have soft wilted leaves. Check the soil when it is dry and watering is not enough, give it a full watering in time. Enough water will make the Creeping cucumber recover again, but the plant will still appear dry and yellow leaves after a few days due to the damaged root system. Once it return to normal, the leave yellowing will stop .

Always check the moisture levels at the pot when you have the Creeping cucumber indoors. Avoid overwatering indoors and see if there are signs of black spots. If these are present, let the soil dry in the pot by giving it a few days of rest from watering.

Overwatering can lead to root rot being present in your plant. If this is the case, you might want to transfer them into a different pot, especially if you see discolored and slimy roots. Always prevent root rot as much as possible, and don't let the soil become too soggy.

You should dig a little deeper when you plant your Creeping cucumber outdoors. When you check with your fingers and notice that the soil is too dry, it could mean underwatering. Adequate watering is required to help the plant recover.

How often should I water my Creeping cucumber?

The Creeping cucumber likes deep and infrequent watering. You would want to soak them in a gallon of water each time, especially when they are planted in pots. The water storage of flower pots is limited and the soil will dry out faster. Watering is required every 3 to 5 days when living in a cold region. Water it early in the morning when the soil is dry, outdoors or indoors. You can also determine if watering is needed by checking the soil inside. When the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry, it is time to give the plant a full watering. During hot days, you may need to check the moisture daily, as the heat can quickly dry out the soil in the pot.

Irrigation of the soil is also required if you have a garden. When you live in a hot climate, you might want to water once a week. Only water when you notice that about 2 to 3 inches of soil become too dry outdoors or indoors. Consider the amount of rainwater on the plant and ensure not to add to it to prevent root rot.You may not need additional watering of the plants if there is a lot of rainfall.Creeping cucumber generally grows during spring and fall. When they are outdoors, you need to add mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep to conserve more water.

You need to water the plants more frequently in sandy soil because this type tends to drain faster. However, with the clay one, you need to water this less frequently where you could go for 2-3 days to dry the plant and not develop any root rot. You could mark the date on the calendar whenever you water and when you notice that the leaves are starting to droop. This can mean that you might be a day late.

How much water do I need to give my Creeping cucumber?

The Creeping cucumber generally needs about a gallon of water each schedule,With the potted plants, you might want to water them deeply until you see that the water is dripping at the bottom of the pot. Then, wait for the soil to dry before watering them again. You can use a water calculator or a moisture meter to determine the amount you've given to your plant in a week. Provide plenty of water, especially in the flowering period, but let the moisture evaporate afterwards to prevent root rot.

If Creeping cucumber is planted outdoor with adequate rainfall, it may not need additional watering. When Creeping cucumber is young or newly planted, make sure it gets 1-2 inches of rain per week. As Creeping cucumber continues to grow, it can survive entirely on rainfall. Only when the weather is too hot, or when there is no rainfall at all for 2-3 weeks, then consider giving Creeping cucumber a full watering during the cooler moment of the day to prevent the plant from suffering from high heat damage. Additional watering will be required during persistent dry spells.

Should I adjust the watering frequency for my Creeping cucumber according to different seasons or climates?

The Creeping cucumber needs outdoors come from rain, with only persistent dry weather requiring watering. Throughout the spring and fall growing seasons, the soil needs to be kept moist but not soggy, and alternating dry and moist soil conditions will allow the Creeping cucumber to grow well. Throughout the summer, hot weather can cause water to evaporate too quickly, and if there is a lack of rainfall, you will need to water more frequently and extra to keep it moist.

Usually, the Creeping cucumber will need less water during the winter. Since the Creeping cucumber will drop their leaves and go dormant, you can put them into a well-draining but moisture-retentive soil mixture like the terracotta to help the water evaporate quicker. Once your Creeping cucumber growing outdoors begins to leaf out and go dormant, you can skip watering altogether and in most cases Creeping cucumber can rely on the fall and winter rains to survive the entire dormant period.

After the spring, you can cultivate your Creeping cucumber and encourage it to grow and bloom when the temperature becomes warmer.This plant is not generally a fan of ponding or drought when flowering. You must ensure that the drainage is good at all times, especially during the winter.

When the plant is in a pot, the plant has limited root growth. Keep them well-watered, especially if they are planted in pots during summer. They don't like cold and wet roots, so provide adequate drainage, especially if they are still growing.

It's always best to water your Creeping cucumber’s diligently. Get the entire root system into a deep soak at least once or twice a week, depending on the weather. It's best to avoid shallow sprinkles that reach the leaves since they generally encourage the growth of fungi and don't reach deep into the roots. Don't allow the Creeping cucumber’s to dry out completely in the fall or winter, even if they are already dormancy.

Don't drown the plants because they generally don't like sitting in water for too long. They can die during winter if the soil does not drain well. Also, apply mulch whenever possible to reduce stress, conserve water, and encourage healthy blooms.

What should I be careful with when I water my Creeping cucumber in different seasons, climates, or during different growing periods?

If planting in the ground, Creeping cucumber mostly relies on rain. However, if there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks, you may need to give proper consideration to giving the plants a deep watering. If watering Creeping cucumber in summer, you should try to do it in the morning. A large temperature difference between the water temperature and the root system can stress the roots. You need to avoid watering the bushes when it's too hot outside. Start mulching them during the spring when the ground is not too cold.

The age of the plants matter. Lack of water is one of the most common reasons the newly planted ones fail to grow. After they are established, you need to ease off the watering schedule.

Reduce watering them during the fall and winter, especially if they have a water-retaining material in the soil. The dry winds in winter can dry them out, and the newly planted ones can be at risk of drought during windy winter, summer, and fall. Windy seasons mean that there's more watering required. The ones planted in the pot tend to dry out faster, so they need more watering. Once you see that they bloom less, the leaves begin to dry up.

Potted plants are relatively complex to water and fluctuate in frequency. Always be careful that the pot-planted plant don't sit in the water. Avoid putting them in containers with saucers, bowls, and trays. Too much watering in the fall can make the foliage look mottled or yellowish. It's always a good idea to prevent overwatering them regardless of the current climate or season that you might have. During the months when Creeping cucumber begins to flower, you might want to increase the watering frequency but give it a rest once they are fully grown.

Give them an adequate amount of water once every 3 to 5 days but don't give them regular schedules. Make sure the soil is dry by sticking your finger in the pot, or use a moisture meter if you're unsure if it's the right time. Too much root rot can cause them to die, so be careful not to overwater or underwater regardless of the climate or season you have in your area.

Why is watering my Creeping cucumber important?

Watering the Creeping cucumber helps transport the needed nutrients from the soil to the rest of the plant. The moisture will keep this species healthy if you know how much water to give. The watering requirements will depend on the weather in your area and the plant's soil.

The Creeping cucumber thrives on moist soil, but they can't generally tolerate waterlogging. Ensure to provide enough mulch when planted on the ground and never fall into the trap of watering too little. They enjoy a full can of watering where the water should be moist at the base when they are planted in a pot to get the best blooms.

If they are grown as foliage, you need to water them up to a depth of 10 to 20 inches so they will continue to grow. If it's raining, refrain from watering and let them get the nutrients they need from the rainwater.

How much/long should Creeping cucumber get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

For healthy growth, make sure that Creeping cucumber receives at least 3–6 hours of sun each day. This is actually a minimum requirement—most plants that can handle part sun can also thrive in full sun, but because they require less light for photosynthesis, they are more flexible than plants that require full sun or part shade.

What type of sunlight does Creeping cucumber need?

Creeping cucumber does best with exposure to full or part sun. They will perform best with direct morning light, but in summer they need protection from the strong afternoon sun. In temperate environments, too much hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves, damaging the plant's appearance and health.

Can sunlight damage Creeping cucumber? How to protect Creeping cucumber from the sun and heat damage?

Creeping cucumber planted indoors can easily be damaged by direct sunlight when it's moved outdoors. The best way to prevent sunburns from overexposure is to move pots gradually from a shaded area to a brighter spot, gradually. But even plants that are acclimated to the summer sun can be damaged by extreme heat. In a heatwave, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist so that plants can cope with excessive levels of heat. Moving plants in containers to areas with afternoon shade or erecting a shade cloth over them can protect sensitive Creeping cucumber during extreme weather events.

Does Creeping cucumber need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Creeping cucumber from the sun?

While bright morning sun and some full sun exposure can be highly beneficial for Creeping cucumber, the harsh, hot midday sun of summer can be too much to handle.

If planted in the ground, the summer sun will usually ramp up slowly enough through the season for Creeping cucumber to gradually adapt to its intensity. But a potted plant that has been indoors or in a protected location will often suffer injury when placed suddenly into a location where the direct summer sun reaches it in the hottest part of the day.

To protect this plant from the brutal afternoon summer sun, plant or place it in an understory location where it is shaded at midday by taller trees and plants or by a building or landscape feature.

What will happen if Creeping cucumber gets inadequate sunlight?

When Creeping cucumber receives too little sun, they may become pale green or display drooping, yellow leaves. While some leaf drop is normal, if leaves are dropping but no new ones are growing in to replace them, it is a sign that something is wrong. If Creeping cucumber receiving inadequate light does manage to grow, the new growth is often spindly, pale, and prone to insect infestation. Paying attention to these signs and changing the lighting conditions of the plant will make a significant difference.

Does Creeping cucumber need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Tender, new leaves are especially sensitive to sunburn. Bearing this in mind, very young Creeping cucumber and when it's in a strong growth phase, such as in late spring and early summer, will be more sensitive to harsh sun and heat than the mature one or those in a more dormant fall growth stage. Creeping cucumber fresh from a nursery is also usually not prepared for strong full sunlight and must be introduced to it slowly.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Creeping cucumber?

Recently transplanted Creeping cucumber will often experience a bit of shock and will need to be cared for carefully, either shaded from bright afternoon sun or placed in a protected area. On very hot days, you may see the leaves of Creeping cucumber drooping—this is usually nothing to worry about. Plants will send the water in their leaves down into their roots to protect them from burning. However, if the leaves are still drooping in the evening or the next morning, the plant needs water. Always avoid watering during the hottest times of day, as sunlight can hit wet leaves and scorch them easily.

Creeping cucumber that has been underwatered will be weaker than that with consistently moist soil. This can leave it with weak roots that are unable to protect the leaves on hot, sunny summer days by diverting water away from the leaves. Care for an underwatered plant by giving it a long, deep watering and then allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before the next watering. Even if it loses its leaves, if cared for properly it will grow new ones.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

More About How-Tos

Water

Every 3 weeks

For Creeping cucumber, originating from warm climates, it prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering, particularly during its growing season. Be cautious not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.

Learn More

Lighting

Full sun

Creeping cucumber has a strong appreciation for abundant sunlight, striving best in areas where the sun's rays are unobstructed. It can, however, manage in places with some shade. Lack of ample sunlight can lead to poor growth and fruit production, while too much can cause leaf burn.

Learn More

Related Plants

Great scented liverwort

Often found on damp rock structures, great scented liverwort prefers to grow where it has constant moisture without being soggy. It gets its common name for its faint odor of urine, which occurs because it soaks up nitrogen and sulfur from its habitat.

Almond-leaved pear

Almond-leaved pear is a cold-hardy deciduous tree. This wild pear tree is often used as a rootstock for cultivated pear trees. This tree will tolerate growing in part shade, however, this will stunt its ability to fruit.

Bloom Time

Spring

Garden Usage

Almond-leaved pear (Pyrus spinosa), a deciduous woody plant of genus Pyrus, has simple and aromatic flowers blooming in early spring. The tree has a lifespan varied from 20 to 150 years and can grow to an average height of 8 to 9 m. Regardless of the species, the fruits of the genus Pyrus are all called pears, which ripen in fall and reward you with delicious taste.

Guinea gold vine

Guinea gold vine is often grown as a garden plant. It can be used as a ground cover or attractive climber. Though very showy, the yellow flowers of guinea gold vine are said to produce an unpleasant odor. If eaten, its fruit causes a burning sensation in the mouth. The plant appeared on a postage stamp in Australia in 1999.

Bloom Time

All year around

Japanese wild cucumber

Japanese wild cucumber is a flowering vine that belongs to the same family as cucumber, squash, watermelon, and other gourds. And This plant can be found in fields, forests, and along roadsides, but always in moist places. It belongs to the genus of Zehneria japonica, named after the famous botanical artist Joseph Zehner.

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Devil's bouquet

The Nyctaginia capitata is also known as its catchy common name, devil's bouquet. It is native to some parts of the United States, and it repeatedly blooms through spring, summer, and fall. It is mostly grown for decorative purposes.

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Matchbox bean

Matchbox bean (Entada phaseoloides) is a tropical plant that is rich in saponins and can be used as a natural soap. It has characteristically large seed pods that grow up to 1.8 m in length. Each seed pod contains 10-20 seeds that are buoyant enough to be dispersed on ocean currents.

Plant Collection Most Common Vine Cape honeysuckle See More Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Despite the word honeysuckle occurring in its common name, the Cape honeysuckle is not related to the honeysuckle. Cape honeysuckle is often planted in garden hedgerows and is considered an invasive species in someContinue reading “Most Common Vine”

Useful Tips

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow Orange daylily See More The Orange daylily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plantContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it isContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Most Common Vine

Plant Collection Most Common Vine Cucumber See More Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a creeping vine native to South Asia. It has a long history of cultivation – mentions of its use are found in various ancient scripts, including the Bible, Epic of Gilgamesh and Pliny the Elder’s “Natural History”. Today, Cucumber is one of theContinue reading “Most Common Vine”

View More Articles

Add to My Garden

Creeping cucumber

Solena amplexicaulis

Creeping cucumber (Solena amplexicaulis) is sometimes grown commercially for garden usage, although it needs to be grown against supports that aid its climbing growth. The species gets its common name, Creeping cucumber, from its scrambling growth habit and its cucumber-shaped fruit. The tube-shaped fruits are red at first, then turn green as they mature.

Hardiness Zones

9 to 11

More Info

Plant Type

Vine

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Cucurbitales

Family

Gourd

Genus

Solena

Species

Creeping cucumber

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Download the App

Distribution Map

Habitat

Tropical mixed forests, thickets, hilly areas, semi-cultivated areas, roadside verges

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Creeping cucumber

Watering

Sunlight

What's the best method to water my Creeping cucumber?

What should I do if I water Creeping cucumber too much/too little?

How often should I water my Creeping cucumber?

How much water do I need to give my Creeping cucumber?

Should I adjust the watering frequency for my Creeping cucumber according to different seasons or climates?

What should I be careful with when I water my Creeping cucumber in different seasons, climates, or during different growing periods?

The age of the plants matter. Lack of water is one of the most common reasons the newly planted ones fail to grow. After they are established, you need to ease off the watering schedule.

Why is watering my Creeping cucumber important?

How much/long should Creeping cucumber get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

What type of sunlight does Creeping cucumber need?

Can sunlight damage Creeping cucumber? How to protect Creeping cucumber from the sun and heat damage?

Does Creeping cucumber need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Creeping cucumber from the sun?

What will happen if Creeping cucumber gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Creeping cucumber need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Creeping cucumber?

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App

More About How-Tos

Related Plants

Great scented liverwort

Japanese wild cucumber

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

# Useful Tips

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

# Useful Tips

Most Common Vine

# Useful Tips

Discover more articles?

Indoor

Requirements

Full sun

Ideal

Above 6 hours sunlight

Partial sun

Tolerance

About 3-6 hours sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Insufficient light

Creeping cucumber thrives in full sunlight but is sensitive to heat. As a plant commonly grown outdoors with abundant sunlight, it may exhibit subtle symptoms of light deficiency when placed in rooms with suboptimal lighting.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Small leaves

New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.

Leggy or sparse growth

The spaces between leaves or stems of your Creeping cucumber may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.

Faster leaf drop

When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.

Slower or no new growth

Creeping cucumber enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Lighter-colored new leaves

Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.

Solutions

1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Excessive light

Creeping cucumber thrives in full sun exposure but is sensitive to heat. Although sunburn symptoms occasionally occur, they are unable to withstand intense sunlight in high-temperature environments.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year

More Info

Scientific Classification

Distribution Map

Habitat

Questions About Creeping cucumber

More About How-Tos

Related Plants

Related Articles

More Info

Scientific Classification

Distribution Map

Habitat

Map

Questions About Creeping cucumber

More About How-Tos

Related Plants

Related Articles