Solandra Maxima: How To Grow A Cup Of Gold Vine
Solandra maxima isn’t just a plant—it’s a plant that makes a statement. This tropical vine commands attention with its enormous, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush, glossy green foliage. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully grow this striking evergreen vine.
Solandra maxima is a twining vine known for its vigorous growth. Its stems wrap around supports like posts, fences, and trellises. Because of its size and fast-growing nature, it’s best suited for spacious areas with sturdy structures—it’s not a good fit for small spaces or delicate supports.
Thriving in frost-free coastal climates, this vine tolerates wind, fog, and seaside conditions exceptionally well. I frequently spotted them when I lived in Santa Barbara, CA, and they’re a familiar sight throughout Southern California.
Botanic Name: Solandra maxima. Common Names: Cup Of Gold Vine, Golden Chalice Vine, Hawaiian Lily
Solandra Maxima Growing Guide
Growing Zones
This is suited to grow in zones 10 and 11. It’s hardy to 30F but will sustain frost damage if temps are consecutively below 32F. It will recover from light frost damage. Besides coastal California, it most commonly grows in Florida, Hawaii, and Texas.
Evergreen
Yes, this vine is evergreen.
Size
This dense vine can grow to 30 – 40′ tall. The stems get quite woody and thick. Interestingly, I saw one pruned into a 5′ shrub—not recommended!
Growth Rate
Fast growing, vigorous. This isn’t a small-space vine.
Uses
It can be trained to grow over an arbor, along a fence, up a trellis or wall, or up and around structures. This isn’t a plant for flimsy support systems, so make sure whatever you use is sturdy and strong. It grows densely, making a great privacy feature.
The Main Draw
This ornamental vine’s star feature is the 6-8″ golden yellow flowers with maroon to brown stripes. The foliage is large and dark, glossy green, making it very attractive even when not in bloom. There is also a variegated form of this plant, Solandra maxima “variegata”, which bears the same color and size flowers.
Light Requirements/Exposure
Full sun is ideal for optimal growth, especially in coastal areas. However, if grown inland, it thrives best with some partial shade. If not getting enough light, this plant will produce fewer and smaller flowers.
Water
The Cup of Gold Vine needs moderate water. The exact amount and frequency depend on factors such as the season, rainfall, plant maturity, soil type, temperature, and sun exposure.
A good rule of thumb is to keep the soil evenly moist—not too dry and not overly saturated. During winter months, it’s best to cut back on watering to prevent excess moisture from building up. Once your plant is well established, it won’t need as much supplemental watering.
Humidity
It is a plant native to the tropics and does best in moderate to high humidity conditions.
Soil
It likes well-drained, rich soil, strengthening the roots and the plant. A 2 – 4″ layer of organic compost will be a natural fertilizer and help hold moisture.
Fertilizing/Feeding
I have no experience fertilizing this plant except for composting.
Pruning
Like bougainvillea, this plant blooms on new growth. Pruning those tall, crazy vertical shoots will make it branch laterally, stimulating new growth and bringing on more flowering. Tip pruning after flowering will also encourage more branching.
Pests
The only pest I’ve known this plant to get is aphids, but I’ve heard it also can be susceptible to scale.
Training
This vine requires a means of support and needs to be tied to its support. It’s a robust vine, so make sure whatever type of support you use is sturdy. You can grow it up the side of a building, up and over a pergola, along a fence or wall, or up a trellis.
In Containers
I’ve seen this plant growing in containers, against a wall, or a building. Because it’s such a vigorous grower, you’ll need to up the container size to accommodate the rootball and plant size as it grows. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for containers and add compost or richness.
Flowering
The good part – those 6-8″ flowers! They deepen in color as they age, making this plant even more appealing. And, as their color deepens, they also get fragrant. You can stick your nose into the flower (watch out for pollen!) and inhale away.
Their scent is similar to ripe bananas mixed with a vanilla aroma—sweet but not overpowering, and a bit stronger at night. The peak bloom period is winter through spring, then off and on all year.
Other growing guides for vines: Star Jasmine, Bougainvillea, & Pink Jasmine.
Solandra Maxima Video Guide
Solandra Maxima FAQs
Is Cup Of Gold Vine poisonous?
It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes nightshades. All parts of this plant are considered toxic.
How do you propagate a Cup Of Gold Vine?
My neighbor in Santa Barbara successfully propagated his plant via stem cuttings in soil.
Do Chalice Vines need sun or shade?
It thrives in full sun, especially in coastal areas. In inland regions with hotter temps and more sun, partial shade is fine. Full shade is not ideal—its foliage will become sparse, and you won’t likely see any blooms.
Conclusion:
Solandra maxima is a stunning plant in every way. Its lush, glossy foliage perfectly complements its magnificent blooms, making it a showstopper in any garden or landscape. Whenever I saw one in full bloom, I couldn’t help but stop and take in its intoxicating fragrance—it’s simply unforgettable.
Whether you grow it for its striking beauty, captivating scent, or ability to transform a space into something truly magical, this vine is a treasure for gardeners and plant lovers.
Happy gardening,
- About the Author
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Nell, the founder of Joy Us garden, was born into a gardening family and grew up in Connecticut’s countryside. After living in Boston, New York, San Francisco, & Santa Barbara, she now calls the Arizona desert home. She studied horticulture & garden design, working in the field all her life. Nell is a gardener, designer, blogger, Youtube creator, & author. She’s been gardening for a very long time & wants to share what she’s learned with you.
wow nice and beautiful
Aren’t they?! The flowers are outrageously beautiful & the foliage is gorgeous. Nell
How well do these vines take from cuttings?…are they easily propagated?.. I live in Perth, Western Australia… The climate here is Mediteranian…… cool winters, min at night is maybe as low as 35F at worst. But hot dry summers up to 110F at its worst.
Hi Dale – Yes, you can propagate the Cup Of Gold Vine from semi-ripe cuttings (a common way to propagate other vines & shrubs). The best time to do it is in the summer, probably late spring or early summer where you are. Nell
Great info. Beautiful bloom examples. Here’s my problems. Mine are in large containers in a open courtyard. They were climbing and blooming great last summer. Now the leaves are green with yellow and brown. There’s very little new growth and no buds or blooming. Help!
Thanks.
Kim
Hi Kim – I’m not sure where you are or what kind of winter you had, but it sounds like too much water. Nell
I have cup of gold in huge pots along my side yard in coastal Capistrano Beach. They generally look good but sometimes leaves turn yellow and drop. What is it telling me? Fertilizer? I fertilize about every 6-8 weeks. Too much water? Not enough?
Hi Toni – They grow vigorously in the warmer months & drop more yellow leaves at this time. It could be moisture stress, under or over. Scale insects can be an issue with this plant also. Nell
Our cup of gold creeper did so well and blessed us with great flowers for years! Now it looks as if it is dying! How many years does this typically last?
Hi – I’m not certain how long they live. I can tell you that the mother of a friend in Santa Barbara had 1 that she planted over 20 years ago. It was still growing beautifully when I last saw it 5 years ago. Nell