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Luffa cylindrica

About Luffa cylindrica

Luffah sponge gourd (also spelled loofah) is commonly used as a bath sponge. Luffas can be grown in the South Eastern United States. They need at least 6 hours of full sun, well-drained soil, good air circulation and a good, sturdy trellis to thrive. They can be harvested in the fall when the gourds are tan and dry.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Luffa aegyptiaca

Genus

Luffa

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Also known as

Luffa cylindrica, sponge gourd, Egyptian cucumber and Vietnamese luffa

How to care for Luffa cylindrica

💦 Water

How often to water your Luffa cylindrica

Luffa cylindrica needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

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Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Luffa cylindrica in your home

Luffa cylindrica love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Luffa cylindrica does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Luffa cylindrica in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Luffa cylindrica

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Luffa cylindrica: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Luffa cylindrica after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #LuffaCylindrica

💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

Luffa cylindrica is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!

Benefits of Growing Luffa cylindrica →

Common Luffa cylindrica Problems →

💦 Water Needs

Luffa cylindrica prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Luffa cylindrica Water Frequency →

Luffa cylindrica Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Luffa cylindrica requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Luffa cylindrica Light Requirements →

Luffa cylindrica Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

🪴 Soil

Luffa cylindrica does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Luffa cylindrica →

When and How to Successfully Repot Luffa cylindrica →

💩 Fertilizer

Luffa cylindrica is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

How Much and When to Fertilize Luffa cylindrica →

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Luffa cylindrica is a naturally climbing plant and can be trained to climb indoors if you provide a moss pole or trellis. The newest growth will emerge from the end of the stems.

How and When to Prune Luffa cylindrica →

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Luffa cylindrica can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Luffa cylindrica Temperature Tolerance →

🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Luffa cylindrica can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.