Smilax Care Tips

Southern Smilax is celebrated for its lush, delicate foliage and natural movement—whether it is elevating a wedding arch or taking root in your own garden. To help you get the most out of every vine, we have put together essential care guidelines below, covering everything from professional handling, hydration, and storage for fresh-cut stems to step-by-step instructions for successfully planting and establishing your own vines from tubers.

Harvested Vines

1. Immediate Unpacking:

Carefully remove the biodegradable bag of smilax vine from the box as soon as it arrives.
Do not leave it sealed in the box, as it needs to breathe.

2. Hydration:

Smilax loves water! Immediately place the cut ends of the vine in a bucket or tub of cool, fresh water.
If you have a large quantity, a bathtub is an excellent place to submerge the entire vine.
Allow the smilax to hydrate for at least 4-6 hours, or even overnight, before you begin to work with it.
Misting the leaves with water can also help keep them fresh.

3. Storage:

Store the smilax in a cool, dark, and humid location until you are ready to use it.
An air-conditioned room is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight or hot areas.
For best results, keep the stems in water and mist the foliage daily.

4. Longevity:

Smilax is a very durable greenery and can last for several days to a week or more with proper care.
Once arranged, continue to mist the leaves regularly to prolong their life, especially in warm or dry environments.

Important Note: Smilax vine may have small thorns. Please handle with care.

Planting Tips for Smilax Tuber

Every smilax tuber is harvested fresh the day of shipping and packaged with care. To plant a smilax tuber, follow these simple steps:

Select a Location: Choose a spot that receives partial shade to full sun (many are adaptable). Smilax naturally grows as a climbing vine, so ensure there is a support structure like a trellis, fence, or existing trees for it to climb.
Prepare the Soil: Smilax thrives in well-draining, loamy soil. Amend the planting area with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and drainage.
Dig a Hole: Dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate the tuberous root system.
Plant the Tuber: Bury the roots/rhizomes a few inches deep, around 2 to 3 inches below the soil surface is a general guideline.
Spacing: Space multiple tubers about 3-4 feet apart to allow adequate room for growth, as the plant can become quite large and vigorous.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the initial establishment period. Once established, many species are relatively drought-tolerant.
Add Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Provide Support: Guide the emerging vines towards your chosen support structure. Smilax uses tendrils to attach itself and climb.
Ongoing Care:
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to control its size and shape, as it can be an aggressive grower.
- Handling: Wear gloves when handling the plant, as some vines have thorns or prickles at the base.

Disclaimer

Planting & Growth Policy:

We guarantee that all live material arrives fresh, healthy, and viable.
Due to varying environmental factors, soil conditions, and post-delivery handling, we cannot replace or refund tubers that fail to establish once in the customer’s care.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation