Care of the indoor plant Cissus discolor or Rex Begonia vine |
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The genus Cissus, family Vitaceae, includes more than 300 species of shrubs and climbing plants native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, New Guinea and America. Some species are: Cissus discolor, Cissus antarctica, Cissus rhombifolia, Cissus sicyoides, Cissus striata. Common name: Rex Begonia vine. This species is native to the tropical forests of Java and Southeast Asia. They are perennial herbaceous plants with thin reddish stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in length. The attractive ovate-oblong leaves are velvety, deep green with silver spots on the upper side and reddish on the underside. The flowers are greenish, small and have no ornamental interest. They bloom from late spring to early summer. They produce small black berries. These fast-growing and fairly delicate plants are used in greenhouses and as indoor plants. In tropical and subtropical regions they are used to cover shady areas of the garden. Cissus discolor can be grown in filtered sun or shade exposure. They are tropical plants that do not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF). The soil must drain well and contain abundant organic matter; Prepare a mixture, in the same proportions, of peat, leaf mulch and sand. The pot transplant is done in early spring. Water, with lime-free water, regularly so that the soil does not dry out completely; in winter wait for the substrate to dry. It's very important that the humidity is high: spray the plant periodically in summer. Fertilize with mineral houseplant fertilizer every 20 days in spring and summer. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance and control growth. If the plant grows weak, prune almost from the base. They are sensitive to the attack of aphids, mealybugs and mites if the environmental humidity is low. They propagate by cuttings or by division in spring. |
Images of the indoor plant Cissus discolor or Rex Begonia vine |
 Cissus discolor |