Cissus rhombifolia

Water Cissus rhombifolia when the soil is nearly dry about an inch to two inches below the surface. To check, stick your finger in the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water. Make sure the soil is not waterlogged as this may cause root rot. Water from beneath the pot so as not to damage the delicate foliage.

Cissus rhombifolia thrives in bright indirect light and will also tolerate low light conditions. When the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight its leaves will turn yellow and will eventually drop off. The plant will not grow as vigorously as in bright indirect light. Keep in mind that it tends to lose its best leaf color in lower light.

Cissus rhombifolia is best kept between temperatures of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit (15-24 degrees Celsius) during the day and no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) at night. Cold drafts or temperatures can cause leaf drop.

Cissus rhombifolia prefers higher humidity, ideally between 40-60%. You can increase the humidity by misting the leaves, or using humidifier. You can also place the pot in a shallow tray filled with pebbles and filled with water, but make sure the pot itself is not sitting in the water.

Cissus rhombifolia prefers a peat-based potting mix that is lightweight and drains well. The soil should be well-draining, but should also be able to retain some moisture. A mixture of equal parts of coir, compost, and perlite works best.

Feed Cissus rhombifolia every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and foliage. Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Do not fertilize the plant during its dormant period, and make sure not to over-fertilize as this can lead to leaf wilting and yellowing.

Cissus rhombifolia is prone to mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Mealybugs can be recognized by their white, cotton-like appearance and can be found in clusters around the stem and leaf axils. To get rid of them, you can use a cotton bud soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol and gently dab it on the affected area. Spider mites can be recognized by their webs and the yellowish dots on the underside of foliage. They can be tackled with the help of insecticidal soap sprays, using a contact action product. Aphids can be recognized by their pear-shaped green, yellow, or black bodies and are generally found in clusters on the stems and fruits. Neem oil works best to get rid of them. Thrips can also cause discoloration to leaf margins and are best tackled by using a horticultural oil.

Repotting your Cissus rhombifolia is a good way to ensure your plant grows and remains healthy. Repot every couple of years, or whenever you notice that the roots are pushing up against the sides of the pot. It is best to repot during the late spring and early summer when the plant is actively growing. Be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot, as too much space can lead to too much moisture in the soil, in turn leading to root rot.

Pruning your Cissus rhombifolia is necessary to encourage healthier growth. Prune away any dead or diseased growths, as well as shoots that are growing in the wrong direction. The best time for pruning is in the spring, when the plant is actively growing. Prune back any parts of the plant that have become too large or unruly.

Mulching your Cissus rhombifolia is a good way to keep the soil moist and control weeds. Use a lightweight mulch such as shredded bark, coconut coir, or well-rotted compost. Spread the mulch around the plant, but make sure it does not touch any of the foliage.

Cissus rhombifolia can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seed in moist potting mix and keep in an area with bright, indirect light and temperatures between 18-24 degrees Celsius. To propagate by stem cuttings, take several stem cuttings from healthy growth, remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, and plant in moist potting mix. To propagate by leaf cuttings, take several leaf cuttings, remove the petiole and the growing tip, and plant in moist potting mix. The leaf cuttings will slowly start to form a new plant over time.

Cissus rhombifolia must be supported because it is a climbing vine. The best way to support the plant is to tie it to a trellis, stake, or other form of support. Make sure to use soft ties that will not damage the stems, and be sure not to tie the plant too tightly.

Cissus rhombifolia goes through a dormancy period in the winter. During this time, reduce watering and allow the plant to go almost dry, as it will need very little water during this time. Do not fertilize during this period and keep the plant away from cold drafts.

Cissus rhombifolia is not known to be toxic to humans or pets. However, it is best to keep pets away from the plants, as they can disturb it and cause it to drop its leaves.