Species centipede plant
White flower, green leaves with yellow veins and red buds.

centipede plant

Muehlenbeckia platyclada

The Centipede Plant, also known as Muehlenbeckia platyclada, is an evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. It features bright, glossy, and thin round leaves which grow in an overlapping pattern along its thin, twiggy stems. The leaves resemble a centipede and provide a unique look to any garden. Centipede plants love full sun and well-drained soil. In the winter, they become dormant and lose their leaves, but in summer they develop small white flowers and can grow up to three feet long. Centipede plants are a great choice for containers or small gardens where you can showcase this interesting species.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Layering Propagation,Division,Air Layering Propagation,Leaf Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 12

Flowers:

Green to greenish-white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

It is important to water your centipede plant regularly to keep it healthy and looking its best. When watering your centipede plant, it is best to water it very lightly and often. Aim for twice a week, approximately every 3 days, and only give it enough water to lightly moisten the soil. During the winter months, you may need to reduce watering slightly; however, never allow your plant to dry out completely. When it comes to what type of water to use, it is best to use distilled or bottled water as tap water may contain large amounts of minerals that are detrimental to your plant's health.

sunlight

Centipede plant (Muehlenbeckia platyclada) prefers bright but indirect sunlight. It is best to provide them with an adequate amount of light each day for at least 6 to 8 hours. During the summer months, when the sun is strongest, it is best to keep the plant in a slightly shadier spot such as underneath a tree or covered porch. In winter, when the sun is weaker, it can be moved to a sunnier spot such as a south-facing windowsill.

pruning

Muehlenbeckia platyclada, commonly known as the centipede plant, is a drought-tolerant, hardy evergreen shrub. Pruning centipede plants should be done in early spring as the new growth is emerging. Pruning should be done lightly, clipping off only the dead or overgrown stems. You can also cut out some of the leggy growth to encourage bushier foliage. Pruning should be no more than 25% of the total foliage on the plant. This plant does not respond well to heavy pruning and will often die if pruned back too far.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Centipede plant typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Centipede plant typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map