Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller). Add organic matter such as manure, peat moss or garden compost until the soil is loose and easy to work. Organic ingredients improve drainage, add nutrients and encourage earthworms and other organisms that help keep soil healthy. Give plants an extra boost by adding a granulated starter fertilizer or a balanced all-purpose feed (for example fertilizers labeled 12-12-12).
Check the plant label for suggested spacing. Crowding plants can result in fewer blooms and weak growth as the plants compete for light. Exceptions to this might be regions with a short growing season, shade plantings which tend to grow slower and fill in less quickly, or a need to fill an area with color quickly such as for a special event or if planning to entertain guests outdoors.
Remove the plant from the container. If plants are in a pack, gently squeeze the outside of the individual plant cell while tipping container to the side. If plant doesn’t loosen, continue pressing on the outside of the container while gently grasping the base of the plant and tugging carefully so as not to crush or break the stem until the plant is released. If the plant is in a pot, brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot.
Dig the hole up to two times larger than the root ball and deep enough that the plant will be at the same level in the ground as the soil level in the container. Grasping the plant at the top of the root ball, use your finger to lightly rake the roots apart. This is especially important if the roots are dense and have filled up the container. Set the plant in the hole.
Push the soil gently around the roots filling in empty space around the root ball. Firm the soil down around the plant by hand, tamping with the flat side of a small trowel, or even by pressing down on the soil by foot. The soil covering the planting hole should be even with the surrounding soil, or up to one inch higher than the top of the root ball. New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks to get them well established.
Vining annuals require vertical space to grow, so provide a trellis, fence, wall or other structure that allows the plant to grow freely and spread.
Do you have a swallowtail for sale?
Hi Carita,
We do not sell plants at My Garden Life.
Will they grow in New Hampshire
Hi Sandra,
You could grow a potted Christia obcordata in a pot outdoors as long as temperatures remain above 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). Any temperatures lower than that, and you’ll need to bring it indoors to a bright location.
Would you happen to know if this is reptile safe? Or even just snake safe? Ty!
Hi Laura,
We do not know about the safety of this plant for reptiles. Have you considered contacting or visiting a local zoo to try to connect with one of their reptile experts? For example, it looks like you can contact the San Diego Zoo online with questions. Another option might be to contact a retailer of snakes or other reptiles.
Can you recommend a place to buy the butterfly plant seeds. I have never seen the plant before today and have fallen in love with it.
Hi Dianne,
We’ve seen Christia obcordata plants and seed offered on Etsy so you might do a search there. We are also seeing it for sale at My Home Nature. Otherwise you could try an internet search for, “where to buy Christia obcordata” and you should get some results.
do you have a butterfly wing plant for sale?
Hi Dedra,
We do not sell plants at My Garden Life.
is it cat friendly?
Hi Lynn,
We couldn’t find a definitive answer on the potential toxicity of Christia obcordata to cats, but did see a couple suggestions that it could be “mildly toxic”. Rather than take a chance you might want to consider a similarly pretty, colorful plant called Calathea. They come in a variety of leaf colors and patterns and they are dog and cat friendly. For other options have a look at our article, Pet Friendly Houseplants for ideas.
Can this be used as just a house plant?
Hi Kristi,
You can grow Christia obcordata indoors. Be sure to give it a location where it will receive bright, indirect light near a window or sliding glass door.
Hello, very hard to find this plant – do you have any sites to recommend ? Thank you
Hi Sai,
We’ve seen Christia obcordata plants and seed offered on Etsy so you might do a search there. We are also seeing it for sale at My Home Nature. Otherwise you could try an internet search for, “where to buy Christia obcordata” and you should get some results.