Codonanthe gracilis, commonly known as the Bellflower Vine, is a charming trailing houseplant with small, glossy green leaves held along slender cascading stems. Given the right conditions, it produces delicate white, bell-shaped flowers, making it a beautiful choice for hanging pots, shelves and trailing displays.
Scientific Name
Codonanthe gracilis
Common Name(s)
Bellflower Vine, Codonanthe
Origin
Native to tropical South America, particularly Brazil, where it naturally grows as an epiphyte in warm, humid forest environments.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Some gentle morning or evening sunlight can help encourage flowering, but avoid prolonged strong midday sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Water
Water when the top few centimetres of soil have dried, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Keep the soil lightly moist during active growth, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering slightly during the cooler months.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity, reflecting its tropical forest origins. It will adapt to average household conditions but appreciates additional humidity alongside good airflow.
Soil
Use a loose, airy and well-draining growing medium. A houseplant mix with added orchid bark and perlite works well and helps recreate the airy conditions around its roots in the wild.
Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from cold draughts and avoid prolonged temperatures below 15°C.
Pet-safe
There is limited reliable information regarding the toxicity of Codonanthe gracilis, so we recommend keeping it out of reach of pets and children as a precaution.
Sprouts Top Tips
Give your Codonanthe plenty of bright, indirect light to encourage flowering. Its naturally trailing stems look particularly good spilling from a hanging pot or high shelf, and lightly pinching back longer stems can encourage fuller, bushier growth.
Extras
When happy, Codonanthe gracilis can produce small white flowers with delicate throats along its trailing stems. These can sometimes be followed by colourful berry-like fruits, adding even more interest to the plant.
Did You Know?
Codonanthe gracilis belongs to the Gesneriad family, making it a relative of African Violets and Episcias. In the wild it often grows as an epiphyte, using trees for support rather than taking nutrients from them.
