Cissus antarctica

Cissus rhombifolia and antartica

These can be grown as climbing plants, for which they will need something for its tendrils to cling onto in the form of canes, trellis or wires fixed to a wall. Alternatively they look very attractive if allowed to trail from a hanging basket or pot on a balcony. 

These are very tolerant plants, preferring cool temperatures and shade from hot sun under glass. They rapidly so needs careful placing, but can be trimmed back at any time to keep within bounds. Use a 50:50 mix of John Innes no. 3 (soil-based) compost and peat/peat-free compost with some added grit, and pot up gradually until you reach the ideal pot size for the amount of growth required. Don’t pot straight into a large pot, but increase the pot size gradually.

They need regular watering in the summer, less water in the winter when growth slows. The minimum temperature should not drop below plus 5 deg. C, though mature woody plants may tolerate slightly lower. A balanced liquid feed during the summer months will keep your plant healthy.

Cissus striata

This is a hardy plant, though it can be grown in a cool shady spot indoors. It will climb or trail, or make unusual ground cover

Vine Weevil

All Cissus (being in the Vitaceae or Vine family) are vulnerable to Vine Weevil and plants in pots are particularly susceptible. We recommend using Nematodes to control the weevils which eat the roots.