Solandra

( soh - LAN - druh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Chalice Vine, this genus includes species of evergreen vines that need full sun and regular water to perform well in the garden. They produce very large cup-shaped flowers that are typically cream-white to yellow or gold in color. Foliage is simple, glossy and green. These vines can reach up to 20 to 40 feet tall and just as wide, developing thick, woody stems over time and requiring a sturdy structure for support. Use these vines as dramatic fast-growing privacy or on trellises or gazebos. Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as ingestion of plant parts is extremely toxic to humans and pets.

Solandra Species and Varietals

The genus Solandra is a member of the plant family Solanaceae and includes 10 species. The genus is named for Swedish naturalist Daniel C. Solander. Plants in the genus are closely related to those in Capsicum (Pepper), Lycianthes (Blue Potato Vine), Brugmansia (Angel's Trumpet), Iochroma (Mini Angel's Trumpet) and Physalis (Groundcherry). Vines in this genus grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 or Sunset growing zones 15-24 and H2 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).

Solandra grandiflora (Showy Chalicevine, Papaturra, Cup of Gold Vine)
Native to Central America and northern South America, these vines are widely grown in tropical regions of the world as garden ornamentals. They are climbing plants with large green leaves and attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. Vining stems can reach up to 30 to 40 feet long when plants are mature (up to 200 feet in their natural habitats). This species is considered somewhat invasive in Hawai'i.

Solandra maxima (Cup of Gold Vine, Golden Chalice Vine, Copa de Oro, Hawaiian Lily)
These vigorous vines are endemic to Mexico and Central America, and are often used as garden ornamentals. It is a fast-growing, sprawling vine with rich green leaves and flowers that are golden yellow with brown stripes; they are fragrant at nighttime. Main bloom is winter through early spring. Great on walls, pergolas, along eaves and on fences. Choice selection 'Variegata' has leaves marked with white. 

Caring for solandra

​Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as ingestion of plant parts is extremely toxic to humans and pets. Plant these easy-to-grow vines in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. These vines can be aggressive, causing damage to painted surfaces on homes, gutters, shutters, and wiring around the outside of homes and other buildings. Plant where these vines will have adequate room to grow. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic). If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature.

Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants also appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season. Foliage can be trimmed back at any time of the year to control growth and remove dead, damaged and diseased stems and leaves. Doing so will keep the plant at its healthiest form. Pinch young plants to encourage a bushy habit to form. These vines are highly tolerant of severe prunings. Fertilize plants yearly for the best show of blooms with a dressing of organic compost applied around the base of the vine. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base. These vines can be expected to survive in the landscape for a few decades or more before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

The easiest way to propagate these beautiful vines is using stem cuttings from existing plants.

Propagating Solandra by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new vine.

Problems and Pests

Solandra plants are relatively pest and disease resistant, but can have problems from time to time with:
  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
  • Scale Insects
For more information on these pests, including how to deal with them, consult the following pages:

Gallery

Here, a Solandra vine is trained to grow along the roofline of a building, providing shade for windows below.
Flowers are said to have a fragrance reminiscent of Vanilla and Banana.
These vines prefer full sun, and can provide wonderful shade.

Videos

All about growing these eye-catching flowering vines.
Learn about these impressive flowers.

Resources

Chalice Vine Information: Tips on Caring for Chalice Vines
Solandra maxima - Cup of Gold Vine
Wikipedia: Solandra
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 605, Solandra maxima