How to Grow and Care for Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) Indoors
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Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) blossoms in bright light away from direct sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, well drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Cissus rhombifolia also called Oakleaf Ivy or Venezuela Treebine is one of the most tolerant of plants which will tolerate sun or shade, hot or cold air, dry or moist conditions.
Each leaf is made up of 3 leaflets, silvery at first and dark green and glossy when mature. Oakleaf Ivy bears tendrils by which it clings to supports.
As with all vines, Venezuela Treebine can be used for clothing bare surfaces, for a hanging basket, as a climber on a pole or trellis or as a ground cover.
Like the fast-growing Tolmiea menziesii (Piggyback Plant ), Cissus rhombifolia is one of the best plants for a hanging basket.
Botanical name: Cissus rhombifolia
synonym: Cissus alata
Family: Vitaceae
Common names: Grape Ivy, Oakleaf Ivy, Venezuela Treebine
Origin
Cissus rhombifolia also called Cissus alata is native to the New World Tropics, from Mexico to Bolivia, and Venezuela, Trinidad and Guyana.
Toxicity
Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) is non-toxic to both humans and pets according to ASPCA.
Related: 15 Indoor Plants that are Safe for Cats and Dogs
Varieties
Several varieties of Grape Ivy are available. Ellen Danica (Mermaid Vine) has lobed leaflets.
Jubilee has large dark green leaflets and Cape Grape (Evergreen Grape Vine) bears leaves which are undivided whose surface is glossy and brown-edged, the underside is brown and flurry.
Cissus rhombifolia Care Indoors
Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) thrives in bright light away from direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-270C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, well drained, all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Cissus rhombifolia requires regular pruning to keep it neat, to reduce pest infestations, to encourage a compact growth and to rejuvenate growth. Repotting is done every two years at the beginning of the growing season. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to provide them.
Watering
Water Grape Ivy thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry a little between waterings.
Decrease watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not let it dry out completely.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. Learn more on how to water houseplants the right way.
Light Requirements
Grape Ivy grows best in bright light though it can tolerate some shade but will grow much slower.
Keep Oakleaf Ivy away from direct sunlight as direct sunlight can cause wilting and scorching of the leaves.
Cissus rhombifolia can also grow under grow lights where the natural lighting is not adequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives adequate light on all sides for even growth. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Temperature and Humidity
Cissus rhombifolia grows best in average warmth of 18-270C with a minimum of 150C. Though it can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, constantly high temperatures can damage the plant.
Grape Ivy has no need for extra humidity, average humidity of 50-55% is sufficient for the plant. However, for lush growth and to reduce pest infestation especially where the temperatures are high, increase humidity.
Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in the bathroom and other moist areas in the home. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Regularly clean the leaves under a stream of running water to get rid of dust and to discourage pest infestation.
Potting Medium
The best soil for Grape Ivy should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Feeding
Feed Grape Ivy every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for a lush growth. Stop feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Repotting
Repot Grape Ivy every two years during the growing period. Use a pot that is 1 size larger and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting and eventual death of the plant. Check out these ceramic pots available on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Cissus rhombifolia involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and minimize pest and disease infestations.
To encourage a bushy and compact growth of the Oakleaf Ivy, pinch off the growing tips. The tips can be used to propagate new plants. Cutback the leggy stems to rejuvenate growth.
Propagation
Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) is propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings. The Oakleaf Ivy cuttings root easily so there is no need for rooting hormone.
How to propagate Grape Ivy from stem cuttings
Take stem cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy Grape Ivy plant and allow the sap from the cut end to dry out for 1-2 days.
Insert the cuttings in moist rooting soil and place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges from the cuttings and substantial growth is observed.
Transfer the rooted cuttings into individual pots and begin routine care. For a fuller Venezuela Treebine, transfer several cuttings into one pot.
How to propagate Grape Ivy by spreading the stems on the soil
Spread the Grape Ivy stems on the soil surface while still attached to the mother plant.
The stems will root at every point that they come into contact with the soil.
Once rooted, sever the stems from the mother plant, dig them up and pot them in moist soil in individual pots.
Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.
Maintain the soil moist until the new Oakleaf Ivy are well established after which you can begin routine care.
Cissus rhombifolia Common Problems
Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) common problems are wilting, leaf spots, curled leaves, brown leaf tips, leaf drop, leggy growth, yellow leaves, pests and diseases among others. Continue reading for more on these problems and how to solve them.
Pests
The most common pests in Grape Ivy are mealy bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Shrivelled and brown leaf tips
If the air is too dry, Grape Ivy will respond with brown leaf tips and shrivelled leaves. Set pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.
If other symptoms like wilting, rotting and leaf drop are present, the cause is root-rot which is prevalent in soggy soil. In future, ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-drained to prevent it from getting soggy and causing root-rot disease.
Mildew on leaves
Mildew on the leaves of Grape Ivy is an indication of powdery mildew which is promoted by soggy soil. Remove the diseased leaves and avoid wetting the remaining leaves. Repot the plant in fresh soil and a new pot which has adequate drainage and improve air circulation.
Slow growth and yellowish leaves
Slow growth and yellowish leaves in Grape Ivy are caused by underfeeding. Feed it every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer. Do not feed the plant in the cold season to avoid fertilizer burn. Learn more on how to feed houseplants.
Undersized new leaves and leggy growth
Too little light for Grape Ivy will result in small new leaves and leggy growth as the plant tries to reach the light source. Move the plant to a brighter spot and ensure it receives bright light away from direct sunshine or instal a grow light if the natural light is not adequate.
Wilting
Too cold temperature for Grape Ivy will cause the leaves to wilt. Move the plant to a warmer place and protect it from cold drafts.
If wilting of leaves is accompanied by leaf fall, there are two possible causes of this. One possible cause of wilting leaves in Venezuela Treebine accompanied by leaf fall is underwatering.
Keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold season but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
The second cause of wilting leaves in Oakleaf Ivy accompanied by leaf fall is too much sunlight. Move the plant to a shadier place or protect it from hot direct sunlight.
Spotted and curled leaves
Spotted and curled leaves in Grape Ivy are caused by underwatering. Too little moisture in the soil will cause the leaves to be spotted and curled and to drop later.
Water the Oakleaf Ivy thoroughly while allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to maintain the soil moderately moist during the growing season. Cut down on watering in the cold season to keep it slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely
Glassy blotches and leaf drop
Direct sunlight on Grape Ivy will cause glassy blotches on the leaves which drop later. Move it away from direct sunlight or protect it from direct sunlight.
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