What Is the Candy Corn Vine?
Candy Corn Vine (Manettia luteorubra) is a tropical plant native to South America. It is a woody, climbing vine that is commonly grown as a houseplant or in greenhouses due to its attractive, bright yellow and orange, tubular flowers that resemble candy corn. The plant can reach lengths of up to 15 feet or more and is often trained to grow up a trellis or other support structure.
Candy Corn Vine is typically grown for its showy, bright blooms, which appear in the late summer and early fall. However, It is relatively low maintenance and prefers bright indirect light, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Dimensions:
The Candy Corn Vine can grow to a length of 10 to 20 feet, depending on the growing conditions. The vines spread out and need room to grow, so it’s best to provide them with a trellis or support structure. The fruits of the vine typically grow to be 3-6 inches long and 2-4 inches wide, with a rounded shape and a distinctive tri-color pattern.
Zones:
The plant grows as a perennial in warm weather hardiness zones 8 to 11. It can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. In the warm hardiness zones, candy corn plant is often grown as an evergreen shrub.
The Candy Corn Vine is a warm-season plant and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-10 as an annual, meaning it can grow in most regions of the United States until frost. In these zones, the plant will typically grow well in the summer months and produce fruit in the fall. It prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil, and it is important to keep the soil consistently moist for optimal growth and fruiting.
How to Tend:
To tend to a Candy Corn Vine, follow these steps:
- Plant in full sun: The Candy Corn Vine prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
- Provide support: The vines grow long and need support, so provide a trellis or other structure for the vines to climb on.
- Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize: Provide the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruiting.
- Prune: Prune off dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy and promote better air circulation.
- Harvest: Harvest the fruit when it reaches maturity, usually in the fall when the skin has hardened and the stem has started to dry out.
- Store: Store the harvested fruit in a cool, dry place for use in the winter.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Candy Corn Vine grows healthy and produces a bountiful harvest.
Where to Purchase?
You can buy this beauty at our Esty shop. Happy Shopping!!
Growing Candy Corn Indoors
To care for Candy Corn Vine indoors:
- Light: Provide bright, indirect light for the plant. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so a north-facing window is ideal.
- Water: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
- Humidity: Candy Corn Vine prefers high humidity, so consider placing a humidifier near the plant or misting it regularly.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pruning: Prune the plant as needed to control its size and shape. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Support: Provide a trellis or other support structure for the plant to climb on as it grows.
By following these simple care instructions, you can keep your Candy Corn Vine healthy and thriving indoors.
