China root (Smilax china)

China root

Also known as: Chinese smilax, Coral greenbrier

China root (Smilax china) is a tropical climbing plant. It gets both its scientific name and the common name "China root" from the largest country in which it grows wild. It can be best identified growing in its preferred streamside, thicket, and grassy slope habitats when its bright red fruit, which grows in peculiar almost spherical clusters, appears in late fall and early winter.

Scientific classification

Species

China root (Smilax china)

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

1 m to 5 m

Plant Height

Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of China root

Distribution of China root

Distribution Map

China root is a plant native to East Asia and Southeast Asia. Its natural range extends across the temperate and tropical regions of these areas. China root is also cultivated outside its native range, indicating its adaptation to varied environments. While thriving in its indigenous locales, it has found suitable conditions in other regions, highlighting its spread beyond its original habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Shrub thickets in hills and mountains, forests, thickets, hillsides, grassy slopes, shaded places along valleys or streams

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for China root

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: China root prefers humid understory environments, tolerating both wet and dry conditions, needing watering every three weeks. This evergreen plant thrives indoors in stable temperatures and indirect light, benefiting from regular misting to maintain desired humidity levels.

Fertilize: For healthy growth, china root requires a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Higher nitrogen formulas promote foliage. Avoid fertilizing in dormant periods and adjust amounts as china root matures, ensuring robust root development without over-fertilization.

Pruning: China root is a hardy climbing vine with lush foliage. Prune in early spring to remove dead branches, shape the plant, and stimulate new growth. Thinning dense areas improves air circulation, preventing disease and enhancing both the visual appeal and health of china root.

Propagation: China root is a versatile climbing plant that propagates best through seed sowing, enhanced by stratification. It thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with adequate moisture, ideally in shaded to semi-shaded areas. Gentle root handling during transplanting promotes better establishment and survival.

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