Paula's Garden Previous | Home | Next

WATER: Allow to become almost dry, then water thoroughly so that water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Do not keep Cissus continuously wet since this may encourage root rot.

LIGHT: Low to high indoor light will grow these plants quite nicely. Protect from direct sun which may result in leaf scorch or burn. The plants may "stretch" in low light situations, but simply pinch back once in a while to retain the bushy growth habit.

SOIL: Any well drained soil, such as African Violet Mix, will do fine.

FERTILIZER: Apply plant food at 1/2 rate three or four times a year (early spring, early summer, late summer, and fall). Let leaf color be a guide... dark green leaves mean that fertilizer levels are good. If you detect a slight yellowing of new foliage, apply an extra dose of plant food at 1/2 recommended rate.

INSECTS: Fortunately, no scale or spider mites or nasty little mealy bugs attack our Cissus. If it attacks yours, visit your local garden center for a recommended insecticide. Once in a while, "army worms" from my husband's nearby cotton field will find our Cissus and chomp a few leaves, but they are easily found and removed!

MILDEW: Our ivy no longer has this ailment, however, if it travels from one of your plants to a Cissus, use a fungicide listed for powdery mildew.

TEMPERATURE RANGE: 32 degrees to 90 degrees, with best growth between 60 and 80 degrees.