Black-Eyed Susan Vine

The black-eyed Susan vine likes its soil to stay evenly moist - underwater the plant, and the root system will suffocate, and underwater too long and it can develop root rot. To avoid this, water deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Soil should feel slightly damp to the touch. For container-grown plants, be sure the container has adequate drainage holes and avoid over-watering. To help keep soil evenly moist, consider using a moisture meter or placing the pot in a pebble tray.

The black-eyed Susan vine can tolerate partial shade or sun, though it will exhibit more brilliant flower colors and flower more heavily in direct sunlight. Aim to keep the indoor or outdoor vine in bright, indirect sunlight - too much direct sunlight can scorch the foliage and inhibit flowering. When grown indoors, place in a bright spot near a window.

The black-eyed Susan vine prefers warmer temperatures. During the summer, it grows best when temperatures range between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 26 degrees Celsius). When in growth, temperatures should not drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius), and in the winter, indoor container plants should be kept in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 21 degrees Celsius).

The black-eyed Susan vine prefers moderate to humid climates and soils with adequate drainage. If growing indoors, the use of a humidifier may be necessary during dry spells. To increase the humidity around your plant, consider running a humidifier, misting the plant with water, or grouping plants together or placing them on a humidity tray.

The black-eyed Susan vine prefers a slightly acidic soil that contains plenty of organic matter and drains well. Good soil mixes for container-grown vines include one part loam, one part peat moss, and one part compost, or two parts loam and one part sand or perlite. Alternatively, soilless-mixtures may be used, as long as they are well-draining and won’t become waterlogged.

The black-eyed Susan vine grows best when fertilized regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The buds should receive fertilizer once every 1–2 weeks and older plants should be fertilized once a month. Choose a balanced fertilizer with a label of N-P-K that is specifically designed for flowering plants like the black-eyed Susan vine.

Although the black-eyed Susan vine isn't commonly affected by pests, there are a few that may wreak havoc on their foliage and roots. Aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites are all possible pests, though they’re not commonly seen. Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective option for treating infestations, but biological control methods—like using certain species of predator insects—are even more effective. To prevent future infestations, regularly drop a few drops of water onto the foliage and examine it closely for small insects or their webbing.

The black-eyed Susan vine grows well in containers, but it will need to be repotted as the plant grows and the soil begins to deplete. Repotting should happen every two to three years and should be done in the early spring, when the plant is just coming out of its dormant period. When repotting, be sure to use a pot with plenty of drainage holes and make sure the soil is light and airy. If growing in a container, make sure there is an adequate support system to accommodate the climbing vine.

The black-eyed Susan vine does not need to be pruned extensively, though occasional deadheading of the spent flower blossoms is advised to encourage the growth of new blooms and keep the entire plant looking neat and attractive. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, sterilized pruning shears and prune at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf or stem bud. Avoid cutting too deep into the vine, as this could affect its overall health.

Mulch can help keep the soil evenly moist around the vine and help insulate it against extreme climates. When replanting, spread a 2–3 inch (5–7.5cm) layer of mulch around the base of the vine, taking care to avoid having it touch the stem and vines. Good choices of mulch for the black-eyed Susan vine include bark, shredded leaves, hay, and straw.

The black-eyed Susan vine is easy to propagate. To propagate through stem cuttings, take 4–6 inch (10–15cm) cuttings from the current season’s growth and strip the leaves off the lower half. Dip the cuttings into a rooting hormone and plant in a sterile potting mix. Make sure to provide bottom heat of around 70–75 degrees Fahrenheit (21–24 degrees Celsius). The cuttings should root in four to six weeks.

The black-eyed Susan vine will require a strong support structure as it grows. Twining vines need something to wrap around and cling to, so provide a trellis or wall support with plenty of horizontal and vertical supports. Make sure the support is firmly in the ground and won’t tip over, and adjust or reorganize supports as necessary as the vine grows.

The black-eyed Susan vine benefits from a rest period after it has finished blooming. Cut the main stems back by about one-third of their height and reduce watering - making sure the soil doesn't completely dry out. This will cause the plant to go dormant, allowing it to buildup energy and flower vigorously in the following season.

The black-eyed Susan vine is not known to be toxic to pets. While it is not particularly attractive to cats or dogs, its flowers are known to be sweet-tasting and can sometimes induce mild stomach upset or diarrhea if eaten in large amounts.