Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) Indoor Care, Propagation and Common Problems

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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.

In this guide, we will cover in detail everything you need to know about caring for Polynesian Ivy Vine indoors, including light, watering, propagation, and troubleshooting common problems. Lets delve into some facts about this plant.

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.

Is Polynesian Ivy Vine pet-friendly?

Polynesian Ivy Vine is non-toxic to humans and pets. It is safe to grow indoors.

Related Plants

One more variety of Pellionia that is ideal for indoors is Pellionia pulchra (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

Now, let’s dive into the best practices for growing Polynesian Ivy Vine indoors and how to keep it thrive all year round.

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. Take care not to overwater as it can result in yellowing of leaves and mushy stems.

Decrease watering in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist. On no occassion should you allow the soil to dry out to avoid drooping and crispy leaf edges.

Make sure that the soil is well-drained 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.

Pro tip: Polynesian Ivy Vine loves even moisture, so check the soil every 2-3 days to maintain balance.

Temperature and Humidity

Polynesian Ivy Vine thrives in an average warmth of 18-24⁰C. Keep it away from cold drafts as they can cause retarded growth and leaf drop.

Being native to tropical rainforests, Pellionia repens loves high humidity and will struggle in dry indoor air. A high humidity of 60-70% is ideal for this plant. Too dry air will result in leaf curl, brown edges, and slow growth. To up scale 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 or 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 fading colors and scorching of the leaves.

If the leaves appear dull or leggy, move the plant to more light or use a grow light if the natural light is not adequate.

Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent leggy growth.

Fertilizer

Feed your Polynesian Ivy Vine every 4 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause weak, leggy growth.

Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may cause fertilizer burn characterized by brown burnt leaf edges.

Potting Medium

The best potting mix for Pellionia repens should be light, airy, and moisture-retaining soil. A blend of 1 part peat moss or coconut coir (retains moisture), 1 part perlite or orchid bark (improves drainage) and 1 part organic potting mix (for nutrients) is great for this plant.

Repotting

Repot your Polynesian Ivy Vine during the growing season only when the plant has become extremely pot-bound as it grows best when its 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 soon 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 legginess. Read more on how to prune houseplants.

Pellionia repens Propagation

Pellionia repens (Polynesian Ivy Vine) propagation can be done at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings or by plant division.

(A) Pellionia repens propagation from stem cuttings

The stem cuttings root easily and there is no need for a rooting hormone. You may root the cuttings either in water or in soil.

Propagating Pellionia repens from stem cuttings in soil

1. Take stem cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy plant. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves and 2-3 leaf nodes. Strip off the lower leaves.


2. Select a rooting container that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


3. Fill the rooting container with well-draining rooting soil and moisten it slightly.


4. Insert 2-3 inches of the cuttings in the moist, free-draining soil.


5. Place the set up in warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight.


6. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth is observed.


7. Transfer the new plants to individual pots and begin routine care.

Pro tip: For a fuller plant, transplant several cuttings into one pot.

(B) Pellionia repens propagation by plant division

Plant division is a faster and succesful way of multiplying plants. This method of propagation is best for large plants which may have outgrown their pots.

Propagating Pellionia repens by plant division

1. Water the plant 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.


2. Remove the plant from its pot and scrape or shake off excess soil.


3. Carefully divide the plant into several sections. Ascertain that each sections has adequate roots.


4. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot which has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


5. Fill the pot with free-draining soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.


6. Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base. Take care not to bury it too deep; keep it at the same soil level as it was in the previous pot.


7. Water the soil thoroughly and maintain it moist through out.


8. Position the set up in a well-lit, warm place away from direct sunlight.


9. Allow the new plant 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 mealybugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants. 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. Ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant.

Brown leaf tips and edges

Brown leaf tips and edges in Polynesian Ivy Vine are caused by dry air. To increase 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 or in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen and other moist areas in the home.

Brown, wilting leaves

Brown, wilting leaves in Polynesian Ivy Vine are caused by underwatering. Maintain the soil consistently moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold season. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Leaf drop

Leaf drop in Polynesian Ivy is due to sudden drop in temperature. Keep the vine away from cold drafts and maintain an average temperature of 18-24⁰C with a minimum of 15⁰C.

Caring for Polynesian Ivy (Summary)

• Lignt: Medium to bright indirect light


• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy


• Humidity: High humidity (above 60%)


• Temperature: Average warmth (18-24⁰C)


• Feeding: Monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer


• Soil: Light, airy, and moisture-retaining soil


• Pruning: Remove dead leaves and flowers, pinch off growing tips, cutback leggy stems


• Repotting: When extremely pot-bound


• Propagation: Stem cuttings, plant division

Conclusion

Polynesian Ivy Vine (Pellionia repens) is a stunning, easy-care trailing plant that brings lush tropical vibes to any space. With proper light, humidity, and watering, this plant will thrive indoors for years to come.

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