5 Tips to Grow Petrea Volubilis in Pots Successfully (Sandpaper Vine)

Parth Mayn
Age of Awareness
Published in
3 min readDec 20, 2023

I know many gardeners love this beautiful purplish plant, Petrea volubilis. You’re probably excited to grow it at home, but if space is holding you back, don’t worry. I’ve got 5 quick tips to help you easily grow Petrea volubilis, also known as the Sandpaper vine, in pots.

Let’s jump in and learn how to grow Petrea volubilis in pots successfully.

Container Size

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

When planting Petrea volubilis for the first time, use a container that’s at least 12 inches. Later, you can transfer it to a final pot that’s 16 to 18 inches.

I assure you that when you plant this flowering beauty in a larger pot of at least 16 inches or more, you won’t need to repot it repeatedly for the next 3 to 4 years. It will continue to grace you with its mesmerizing blooms year after year.

After that period, you may need to consider repotting it to a larger container or simply prune its roots for a fresh start in the same old container.

Note: If you ever feel the need to trim or prune the plant’s root ball, it’s best done in the Spring Season (February to March) or during the rainy months when the weather is favorable for both humans and plants.

Support

Since Petrea volubilis is a climbing vine, it needs support to climb. You can use a trellis, stake, or other structures for this.

Blooming Time

Expect your Petrea volubilis to bloom in spring, around February to March. You might be wondering if it’s worth the wait for blooms just once a year? Well, my answer is a definite “Yes!”

As winter turns into spring, a time when most flowering vines take a break, Petrea volubilis surprises you with beautiful blooms. These purplish flowers, joined by butterflies and honey bees, will make your garden or balcony look stunning.

Watering Requirements

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Water the plant when the soil becomes dry and hard. It can handle some dry periods, but don’t skip watering for too long, especially in the peak of summer. Daily watering is crucial then.

Winter Protection

Photo by John Price on Unsplash

If you live in very cold areas, bring the plant indoors or cover it with a frost cloth during colder temperatures. Regular pruning, especially in spring, helps maintain its shape and promotes bushier growth.

In my case, where winters aren’t too harsh and temperatures stay above 6 degrees Celsius, my Petrea volubilis doesn’t face many issues.

If you have more questions about Petrea volubilis or the Sandpaper Vine, check out the detailed guide on Petrea Volubilis (Sandpaper vine) Growing Conditions and Caring Tips.

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Parth Mayn
Age of Awareness

Terrace Gardener🌱 Blogger✍🏻 Deeply obliged to mother Earth, a plant influencer and a nature lover.