Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) Indoor Care, Propagation and Common Problems
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) prospers in medium to bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Pellionia repens also called Trailing Watermelon Begonia or Rainbow Vine is a trailing plant which bears a pale central band on each leaf where the outer margin may be olive or bronzy green.
Trailing Watermelon Begonia is ideal for the terrarium, bottle garden or a hanging basket where it can beautifully display the spectacular foliage placing it among the best plants for hanging baskets.
Botanical name: Pellionia repens
Family: Urticaceae
Common names: Polynesian Ivy Vine, Pellionia repens Watermelon, Trailing Watermelon Begonia
Origin
Pellionia repens is native to South East Asia in Burma, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Toxicity
Polynesian Ivy Vine is non-toxic to humans and pets. It is safe to grow indoors.
Related Plants
Another variety of Pellionia that is ideal for indoors is Pellionia pulchra commonly called Satin Pellionia which has very dark veins on the upper surface and is purple on the undersides.
Where to Buy
If you would like to acquire beautiful Pellionia Plants, you may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Polynesian Ivy Vine Plant Care
Polynesian Ivy Vine flourishes in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-240C, high humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting mixes coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Pellionia repens care requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat, to encourage a bushy growth as well as get rid of the insignifacant flowers to redirect energy to growth. Repotting is only needed when the plant becomes extremely pot-bound. Keep reading for more on the best growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Polynesian Ivy Vine liberally during the growing season and keep the soil moist at all times. Decrease watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist.
Make sure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for Polynesian Ivy Vine is an average warmth of 18-240C. Keep it away from cold drafts as they can cause leaf drop.
Trailing Watermelon Begonia prefers a high humidity of 60-70% to thrive. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. You may also grow the plant in a closed terrarium as a high humidity can be maintainted inside a terrarium. It is one of the best plants for a closed terrarium.
Pellionia repens can also be grown in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen, laundry area and other moist areas with constantly high humidity.
Light Requirements
Polynesian Ivy Vine grows best in medium to bright indirect light. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching of the leaves.
Pellionia repens Watermelon may also be grown under grow lights if the natural light is not adequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent leggy growth.
Fertilizer
Feed Polynesian Ivy Vine with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may cause fertilizer burn.
Potting Medium
The best potting mix for Pellionia repens should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are perfect for the plant.
Repotting
Repot Trailing Watermelon Begonia during the growing season only when the plant has become extremely pot-bound as it grows best when roots are confined. Use a pot one size larger than the current one. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to rotting.
Pellionia repens is spectacular in a hanging basket where the the stems can cascade downwards beautifully. Take a look at these hanging planters with macrame hangers on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Polynesian Ivy Vine involves pinching any flower buds as they appear. The flowers require a lot of nourishment from the plant which may affect its proper growth.
Remove any dead foliage frequently to keep the vine neat and tidy. Pinch off the growing tips to encourage bushyness and prevent the Pellionia repens from becoming leggy. Read more on how to prune houseplants.
Propagation
Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) propagation can be done at the beginning of the growing season from stem-tip cuttings or by plant division.
Polynesian Ivy Vine propagation from stem-tip cuttings
Take stem-tip cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy Polynesian Ivy Vine. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves and 2-3 leaf nodes. Strip off the lower leaves.
The stem cuttings root easily and there is no need for a rooting hormone.
Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining soil. Ensure that the rooting container has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Place the set up in warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth is observed.
Transfer the new Pellionia repens Vines to individual pots and begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot.
Polynesian Ivy Vine propagation by plant division
Water the Polynesian Ivy Vine thoroughly at least one day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment. A well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.
Take the plant out of its pot and carefully divide it into several sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least one set of leaves.
Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Fill the pot with free-draining soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.
Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level as it was in the previous pot.
Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place away from direct sunlight.
Allow the new Pellionia repens Watermelon to be well established after which you can begin routine care.
Pellionia repens Problems and Remedies
Polynesian Ivy Vine problems are pests, brown leaf tips, leaf drop, wilting and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Pests
Common pests in Polynesian Ivy Vine are aphids, scale insects, whiteflies and mealy bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it accordingly. Learn how to identify and treat pests in houseplants.
Brown-grey dust on the leaves
Brown-grey dust on the leaves of Polynesian Ivy Vine is an indication of powdery mildew which is prevalent in a warm humid environment. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it accordingly. Ensure that there is free air circulation for the plant to reduce disease infestations.
Brown leaf tips and edges
Brown leaf tips and edges in Polynesian Ivy Vine are caused by dry air (low humidity) especially where the temperatures are very high. To increase the humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. You may also grow the plant in a closed terrarium where a high humidity can be maintainted.
In addition, Pellionia repens Watermelon may be grown in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen and other moist areas in the home where the environment is constantly humid. Check out these techniques on how to elevate humidity for houseplants.
Brown, wilting leaves
Polynesian Ivy Vine brown, wilting leaves are caused by underwatering which results in too little moisture in the rootzone. This means that there isn't enough moisture for the plant to take up and thus the leaves begin to wilt.
Water the plant thoroughly and maintain the soil moist at all times during the growing season. Reduce watering in the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Learn more on how to water houseplants correctly.
Leaf drop
Leaf drop in Polynesian Ivy is due to sudden drop in temperature brought about by exposure of the plant to cold drafts. Protect or keep the vine away from cold drafts to prevent sudden drop in temperature. Maintain an average temperature of 18-240C with a minimum of 150C. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
You liked it? Share on social media.
Related Content
Amazon Associates Disclosure
Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.