Grape Ivy House Plants & Their Care
With its attractive foliage, long, grape-like tendrils and cascading growth habit, grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) is a can't-miss indoor plant for a hanging basket. Its shiny, green leaves grow in groups of three, and the stems are a soft, fuzzy brown. Grape ivy is an easygoing, low-maintenance plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Planting Grape Ivy
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Grape ivy does best when planted in a lightweight, commercial potting soil. A handful of perlite or sand improves soil drainage. Any pot with a drainage hole will work. Although grape ivy is most often planted in a hanging basket, you can also place the plant in a regular container. Install a support system or trellis for the stems to climb over.
Sunlight
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One of the primary benefits of grape ivy is the plant's ability to grow in low light. Grape ivy will grow in a north-facing window or in a dark corner with very little light exposure. Grape ivy tolerates bright, indirect light but requires more than grape ivy grown in low light.
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Water
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Water grape ivy deeply, using warm water, until water trickles through the drainage hole, then allow the soil to drain so the plant isn't sitting in soggy soil. Allow the soil to dry until the top of the soil feels barely moist before watering again.
Fertilizer
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Grape ivy isn't a heavy feeder, but benefits from two feedings every year. Feed grape ivy in April and again in July, using a general purpose, water-soluble fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer according to the specifications on the container.
Potential Problems
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Grape ivy is relatively pest-resistant, but can sometimes be affected by mealybugs, scale or spider mites. All are treated by spraying the foliage with an insecticidal soap. Use a systemic product or a commercial spray if the infestation is severe. Soggy soil can cause grape ivy to drop leaves, and, in extreme cases, the roots may rot.
Tips
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Pinch the ends of grape ivy stems if you want a fuller, bushier plant. Grape ivy can tolerate being somewhat pot-bound, so if you want to limit the size of your plant, don't move grape ivy into a larger container until the plant displays symptoms indicating that repotting is necessary. If growth begins to slow, or if you see roots on the top of the soil or growing through the drainage hole, move your grape ivy to a pot one size larger.
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