Cissus - Grape Ivy, Kangaroo Vine, Treebine

(Ciss'us)

DESCRIPTION: These climbing plants are natives of several tropical and subtropical countries. C. antarctica is shrubby and climbs along with tendrils. It has shiny, green leaves with brown veins and stems. C. rhombifolia is a vinelike plant with hairy brown branches and shiny green leaves that have fuzzy, white undersides, as in the new growth. It also climbs with the aid of tendrils. In the warmest parts of the U. S., several varieties can grow outside in regular soil with partial shade. All are good in greenhouses and as houseplants. They require a minimum winter temperature of 50-55 degrees.

POTTING: The best compost to use would be equal parts of loam and peat with a generous addition of sand. Repotting is done in spring and summer. During the summer, they need a lot of water; in the winter, less is needed. In March, pruning can be done to thin out the plant and restore its shape by cutting back the stray vines.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings of young shoots can be inserted in sand in a propagating case in spring and summer.

VARIEITIES: These two are particularly good houseplants - C. rhombifolia (Grape Ivy); C. antarctica (Kangaroo Vine).

Especially useful for planting outdoors - C. capensis (kidney-shaped leaves, rusty colored beneath); C. incisa; C. striata; C. sicyoides; C. antarctica.

Others - C. quadrangularis (this one is an interesting succulent that requires the same care as Cacti); C. discolor (Needs a bit warmer temperature than the others - has ovate, velvety green leaves mottled with silvery white and reddish-purple underneath).

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