Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
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Fabaceae
Christia obcordata
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal, your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
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Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
- Care basics , Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week , Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light, How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering , When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots, Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity, When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing, Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests, Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro, How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
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Christia obcordata
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~40–60% dry
Substrate
Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 18–29 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Humidity
Humid 60–80 % +
Growth habit
Upright herbaceous perennial.
Support
optional
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 90 cm • Max. spread: 60 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic
Origin & habitat
Native to tropical and subtropical Asia
Outdoor growing
Indoor only
How to read these values
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
- Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
- Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
- Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
- Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.
- Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
- Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
- Growth speed: expected pace under suitable indoor conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term indoor size under good conditions.
- Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
- Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
- Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.
Christia obcordata – The Butterfly Wing Plant
Overview of Christia obcordata
Christia obcordata, commonly known as the Butterfly Wing Plant or Swallowtail, is a captivating species native to Southeast Asia and Australia. This ornamental plant is cherished for its unique, triangular leaves adorned with burgundy stripes, resembling butterfly wings. It can grow up to 90 cm tall and wide, making it a striking addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.
Distinctive Features
- Foliage: Triangular-shaped leaves with rich mahogany stripes along the veins, creating a butterfly-like appearance.
- Growth Habit: Reaches heights of up to 90 cm, with a similar spread, presenting a graceful, airy form.
- Flowers: Produces small, pale cream-colored flowers in late summer; however, the plant is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage.
Comprehensive Care Guide
- Light Requirements: Prefers light shade or dappled sunlight; avoid direct, intense sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
- Watering: Maintain consistently moist soil without waterlogging; do not let the soil dry out completely, as this can cause leaf drop.
- Humidity: Thrives in humid environments; consider using a humidity tray or misting the plant regularly to maintain adequate moisture levels.
- Temperature: Prefers warm climates around 20°C; does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C.
- Soil: Requires organic-rich, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Fertilization: As a member of the legume family, it is a heavy feeder; regular fertilizing is beneficial.
- Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth; do not hesitate to trim back to maintain shape and promote density.
- Propagation: Can be propagated by seeds or cuttings; for cuttings, take 10-15 cm pieces, remove leaves from lower nodes, and plant in well-draining soil with high humidity.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Leaf Drop: Often caused by allowing the soil to dry out; ensure consistent moisture to prevent this issue.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Does not tolerate cold temperatures; maintain indoor temperatures above 10°C to ensure plant health.
- Pests: Monitor for common pests such as aphids or spider mites; treat infestations promptly with appropriate insecticidal soap , neem oil, or use beneficial insects.
Additional Insights
- Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used in some cultures to treat urinary tract infections, showcasing its medicinal potential.
- Decorative Appeal: Ideal for adding a touch of whimsy to indoor spaces, patios, or shaded garden areas due to its unique foliage.
Enhance Your Collection with Christia obcordata
Introduce the unique beauty of the Butterfly Wing Plant to your indoor or outdoor garden. Order now to add this remarkable plant to your collection!
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.
FAQs about Christia obcordata
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