Cissus

Cissus is considered a succulent and as such has moderate water needs. When the pot has dried out, give your plant a thorough watering and allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. If you can, water your Cissus from below, such as by setting the pot in a saucer of water. Overly wet soil and soggy roots can cause the plant to rot.

The ideal light condition for houseplant Cissus is bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. If your vine is growing pale leaves, or too leggy, it may need more light. Rotate your Cissus often to keep it symmetrical and to promote even growth. Variegated varieties will need more light than those with solid-colored leaves.

Houseplant Cissus should be kept in temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C). Exposure to cold temperatures can make the plant susceptible to damage, so it’s important to keep it warm and away from drafts, radiators, and air conditioning vents.

Cissus species prefer moderate to high humidity and will benefit from regular misting. If you have low humidity levels, try grouping your plant together with other humidity-loving houseplants to create a little greenhouse effect.

For optimal growth, Cissus should be grown in a loose, well-draining potting mix. A mix of one part potting soil and one part compost or perlite works well, as it will provide the plants with enough nutrients while still allowing proper drainage. Cissus should never be planted in heavy clay soil or overly waterlogged soil.

Cissus is a moderate feeder and should be fertilized monthly during periods of active growth. An all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half-strength should work well. It’s best to fertilizer your Cissus only when the potting mix is moist, otherwise it can burn the roots. When fertilizing, avoid getting any on the leaves as this can cause leaf burn.

Houseplant Cissus can be prone to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. If you notice any of these pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to spray both the tops and undersides of the leaves and treat the plant multiple times, about 5-7 days apart. Be careful not to overwater your Cissus as overly wet soil can create a favorable environment for pests to thrive.

Houseplant Cissus does best in slightly smaller, snug pots and will only need to be repotted every two to three years. When you repot your plant, make sure to use a loose, well-draining potting mix and avoid compacting the soil too much. Be careful to keep the vine supported as you repot as the roots can be fragile and fa il easily.

Pruning your Cissus is important to maintain its shape and size. Prune away any dead, dying, or damaged leaves, as well as new growth that is out of control. Pruning should be done mainly during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. Always make sure to use clean pruning shears or scissors to prevent the spread of any diseases.

Mulching your Cissus can help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds. A layer of coarse bark mulch will do the trick. Just make sure it’s not too thick, and keep it away from the vine’s stems.

Cissus can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a stem about 4 to 6 inches long—it should have a few leaves and some active growth buds. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot of moist potting mix. Place the pot in a warm spot, keep the soil slightly moist, and wait for roots to form.

Since Cissus is a vining species, it should be provided with adequate support such as a trellis, stake, or wire mesh. As the vine grows, loosely wrap it around the support to keep it from getting tangled and to help train it to a more attractive shape.

Cissus will do best when given a rest period during the winter months. During this time, reduce the amount of water and move the plant to a cooler spot that’s still bright, such as a north- or east-facing window. During the rest period, your Cissus may produce fewer leaves and even drop some of its existing ones—this is normal! Just make sure to keep up with periodic misting to prevent the leaves from drying out.

Cissus is considered not to be toxic to pets when eaten.