Ipomoea albivenia

Belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, the Ipomoea albivenia goes by the common name Wild Cotton. The other popular names include Wildekatoen and Climbing Kapok. A native of Kenya & Zimbabwe S. Africa, this wild cotton plant grows and blooms in full sun exposure to semi-shade. It is a fast-growing succulent growing up to 10 meters long. The slender young stem becomes woody when adult, while the foliage has an ovate lamina. In winter, the showy plant blooms to bear funnel-shaped white, cream, or yellowish flowers. Growth Rate Ipomoea albivenia is a vine that grows fast. Flowering The houseplant produces fragrant funnel-shaped pretty flowers in white, cream, or yellow during winters, the blooming season. Watering and Feeding This plant requires abundant water. So, ensure that the soil is never dry. However, abstain from overwatering. Soil The soil for the wild cotton plant should be well-drained. The best is to use cactus mix potting soil. Hardiness The hardiness zone of the Ipomoea albivenia is 8b to 11. It is frost-hardy 15°F to 40°F (-9.4°C to 4.5°C). Light This plant needs full sun to semi-shade for the best growth. Propagation Seed propagation is an optimal way to propagate the wild cotton plant. The wild cotton species gets its name from the Greek language, which means woodworm or white-veined because the heart-shaped leaves are velvety white when young. Also, the white flowers open only at night because they are moth pollinated.