Echites umbellatus

Also known as Devil's Potato, this evergreen vine or creeper, belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is native to Central America.

Its stems are clothed in fleshy leaves and small white or off-white flowers. Being a fast-growing vine, it is important to regularly prune it to keep it from taking over. Additionally, it is poisonous or toxic and therefore must be handled with care.

When growing in a pot, Echites umbellatus should be planted in good quality soil and placed in a full sun environment. It prefers consistent watering and good drainage. However in cold climates and regions, it is recommended to bring the pot indoors during winter and place it in a bright and well ventilated spot in the house.

Echites umbellatus can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11. For the best results, soil should be evenly moist but not waterlogged. They should be watered deeply but infrequently, which is typically once every week or two in the summer and once a month in winter.

Although no fertilization is necessary in ideal soil, a supplemental fertilization program in spring and summer with an organic or slow releasing fertilizer is suggested to for stronger and healthy growth when growing these plants in a pot. Pruning should also be done in late winter to keep the Echites umbellatus from taking over.

Similar plants:

• Beaumontia grandiflora, Echites grandiflora (Easter Lily Vine, Heralds Trumpet, Nepal Trumpet Flower)
• Mesechites trifidus, Echites trifidus (Mesechites)
• Odontadenia macrantha, Odontadenia grandiflora, Odontadenia speciosa, Echites macrantha (Odontadenia)
• Strophanthus caudatus, Echites caudatus, Strophanthus dichotomus (Medusa Gorgona, Red Rapunzel, Twisted Cord Flower)
• Wrightia religiosa, Echites religiosa (Sacred Buddhist, Wondrous Wrightia, Wild Water Plum, Water Jasmine)