sweet potato vine

Water the sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Lime') when the top soil is just beginning to dry, usually once every 1-2 days during the summer. During the winter, water once every 3-4 days. Make sure the soil stays mostly moist, but not overly wet. If watering from above, make sure the water is gentle and avoids wetting the leaves. Always use room temperature water. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. When in doubt, water less than more, as this plant can tolerate periods of drought. Fertilize once every month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer or 1 that is high in phosphorus and potassium, such as 10-15-10. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.

Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Lime') prefers plenty of bright, indirect sunlight for optimum growth and flowering. It does best with 4-6 hours of sunlight a day, but can also tolerate some direct sun. If planted outdoors in full sun, it is best to provide some shade to protect it from the midday heat. When grown indoors, place the vine in a sunny location with a bright window with direct sun exposure for at least a few hours each day.

Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Lime') should be pruned regularly throughout the growing season. Pruning should begin in the early summer when the vine has grown 6-8 inches tall. At that time, thin the vines back to the strongest 3-4 shoots. Then, as the season progresses, monitor the vine and prune back any additional flowering shoots that are developing. This will help the plant to focus on producing lush green foliage. When pruning, make sure not to remove more than half of the vine’s foliage. This will ensure the plant has enough leaves to support healthy growth. If the need arises maintain a vining shape, prune the vines from the tops and sides as opposed to cutting the vines back all the way to the base. Finally, be sure to use sterilized tool and remove all spent flowers and foliage to discourage disease.