How to Grow and Care for Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) Indoors
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Botanical name: Pellionia repens
Family: Urticaceae
Common names: Polynesian Ivy Vine, Trailing Watermelon Begonia
Description
Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) also called Trailing Watermelon Begonia is a low growing plant which bears a pale central band on each leaf where the outer margin may be olive or bronzy green.
Pellionia repens is ideal for the terrarium, bottle garden or a hanging basket where it can beautifully display the spectacular foliage.
Origin
Pellionia repens (Polynesian Ivy Vine) is native to South East Asia in Burma, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Related Plants
Another variety of Pellionia that is grown 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
Beautiful and healthy Pellionia Plants are available online at Etsy. Buy Pellionia Plants online from Etsy.
Photo Credit: Carousell
Pellionia repens Care Indoors
Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) thrives in medium to bright light away from direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Pellionia repens requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat and tidy, 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.
Light Requirements
Polynesian Ivy Vine grows best in medium to bright light away from direct sunlight. It can also grow under a grow light where the natural light is not adequate.
Do not expose it to direct sunlight as it can result in sunscorched leaves. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.
Watering
Water Polynesian Ivy Vine liberally during the growing season and keep the soil moist at all times. Reduce watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist.
Ensure that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the plant.
Temperature
The best temperature for Polynesian Ivy Vine is average warmth with a minimum of 150C. Keep it away from cold draughts as they can cause leaf drop.
Humidity
Polynesian Ivy Vine prefers a humid environment inorder to thrive. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Pellionia repens can also be grown in a terrarium as a high humidity can be maintainted inside a terrarium.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Polynesian Ivy Vine with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period. Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may cause fertilizer burn.
Repotting
Repot Polynesian Ivy Vine 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 and ensure the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual loss of the plant.
Soil
The best soil for Polynesian Ivy Vine should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
Most multi-purpose potting mixes like this quality potting mix available at Etsy are ideal for Pellionia repens.
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.
Propagation
Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem-tip cuttings or by plant division.
How to propagate Polynesian Ivy Vine from stem-tip cuttings
Take stem-tip cuttings of about 4-5 in. 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.
How to propagate Polynesian Ivy Vine 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 in. 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 to be well established after which you can begin routine care.
Photo Credit: Carousell
Pellionia repens Problems Indoors
Polynesian Ivy Vine problems indoors are mainly due to cultural faults in watering, humidity and temperature. These problems include brown leaf tips, leaf drop, wilting, mildew, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
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 raise the humidity for Pellionia repens, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Polynesian Ivy Vine can also be grown in a plant terrarium where a high humidity can be maintainted.
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 Pellionia repens 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. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Leaf drop
Leaf drop in Polynesian Ivy is due to sudden drop in temperature brought about by exposure of the plant to cold draughts.
Protect the Vine from cold draughts to prevent sudden drop in temperature. Maintain an average room temperatures with a minimum of 150C.
Brown-grey dust on the leaves
Brown-grey dust on the leaves of Polynesian Ivy Vine is an indication of powdery mildew disease which is prevalent in a warm humid environment.
Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other houseplants and treat it accordingly. Also, ensure that there is free air circulation for the plant to reduce disease infestations Read more on how to treat powdery mildew disease in houseplants.
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 houseplants and treat it accordingly. Read more on how to identify and treat pests in houseplants.
Is Polynesian Ivy Vine toxic?
Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) is non-toxic to humans and pets. It is safe to grow indoors.
