Upright carrionflower (Smilax ecirrhata)

Also known as: Blunt-lobed Carrion-flower, Carrion Flower

The upright carrionflower is a small vine known for its flowers that emit a strong, unpleasant odor. These blooms appear in spring and attract insects by mimicking the scent of rotting flesh. This distinctive smell is key to its allure for certain insects.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Upright carrionflower

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb, Vine

Plant Height

15 cm to 76 cm

Spread

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Upright carrionflower

Quickly Identify Upright carrionflower

Look for a vine lacking tendrils, with glossy, heart-shaped leaves and small, greenish flowers. The scent emitted by the flowers can also be a distinguishing feature.

Scientific Classification of Upright carrionflower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Liliales

Family

Greenbrier

Genus

Prickly-ivy

Species

Upright carrionflower

Planting and Growing of Upright carrionflower

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Upright carrionflower?

The watering amount for Smilax ecirrhata should be just enough to moisten the soil without causing it to become waterlogged. Typically, 250ml per watering session ensures the soil is adequately damp but not overly saturated. It's important to ensure the soil surface dries out slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Upright carrionflower? ›

What should I do if my Upright carrionflower is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Upright carrionflower? ›

How to save an overwatered Upright carrionflower? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Upright carrionflower?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 6 hours

Smilax ecirrhata flourishes in partial sun to full shade. This range supports healthy foliage and vigorous growth, aligning with its natural shady woodland habitat conditions.

What is the best light condition for Smilax ecirrhata? ›

How can I achieve these ideal conditions? ›

What benefits can Smilax ecirrhata gain from ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Upright carrionflower?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

What is the ideal temperature range for growing Smilax ecirrhata? The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. This range supports optimal growth and helps the plant stay healthy and vigorous. Consistent temperatures within this band allow the plant to thrive and produce its best possible foliage.

What Soil is Best for Upright carrionflower?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Smilax ecirrhata thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Ensuring proper drainage helps maintain optimal moisture levels, promoting healthy root development and plant vigor. This plant benefits from nutrient-rich soils, which supply essential minerals for growth. Incorporating organic matter like compost enhances soil fertility, ensuring the plant has access to the nutrients it needs to flourish. Smilax ecirrhata prefers soils with moderate moisture retention. This balance helps maintain consistent hydration without causing excess dampness, which can be detrimental to plant health.

How to Fertilize Upright carrionflower?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Smilax ecirrhata, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at a concentration of 1:4 with water, ensuring it's diluted enough to prevent root burn. For slow-release granules, use approximately 5 grams per plant, distributing evenly around the soil. This helps maintain a steady nutrient supply without overwhelming the plant.

How to Prune Upright carrionflower?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Before you begin, identify any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant. These should be your primary targets for pruning to streamline the plant’s energy use. When cutting, make sure to prune just above a healthy bud or side shoot. This encourages new growth in the direction you desire and helps the cut heal more effectively. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Upright carrionflower plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Fill seed trays with a well-draining soil mix. Moisten the soil lightly to help the seeds adhere and start the germination process once planted.

Evenly distribute the seeds over the surface of the soil in the seed tray. Do not cover the seeds too deeply in soil as they require light for germination.

Carefully remove the plant from its pot or soil. With a sharp knife or spade, divide the root system into sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots attached for healthy regrowth.

How to Repot Upright carrionflower plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Smilax ecirrhata signals its need for repotting when roots begin to circle the pot's inside or emerge from the drainage holes. Spring or early summer is ideal, allowing the plant to establish in warmer, growing months. Other signs include slowed growth or poor water absorption.

Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one to avoid waterlogging but allow root growth. Opt for clay or plastic with sufficient drainage holes to facilitate proper water outflow and airflow, ensuring the plant's roots remain healthy and aerated.

Select well-draining loamy soil, a balance of sand, silt, and clay, providing excellent drainage yet enough moisture retention. This mixture supports the plant's intricate root system, preventing root rot and maintaining proper nutrient absorption.