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When it come to the Vitaceae family , cissus is the most blanket genus and one of the most popular .
One of these is a lesser - known but fascinating plant diagnose Cissus tuberosa ( SISS - us too - ber - OH - suh ) .
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The scientific name most hoi polloi be intimate this Mexican perennial by is either Cissus tuberosa or its former name , Vitus tuberosa .
However , in 1821 this flora was first described as Cissus tiliacea .
Due to the rules of botanic naming , the accepted scientific name is always the one used in the first published verbal description .
Thus , when looking for this works on botanic site , you may find it either style .
Cissus Tuberosa Care
Size and Growth
strangely enough , the plant ’s unique appearance in nature is n’t always the same as what you ’ll get domestically .
The plant is adapted for cragged region . Its born home ground tends to develop a horizontal stock to 10″ inches in diameter with deciduous vine measure 5 yards or longer .
Domestically , one can train the plant to grow vertically with the assistance of a treillage or other financial support .
The stock is a mottled green and grey bearing stick that bring forth the yearly vines .
It grows in a twisted , irregular shape with jut at the node . This trait afford it a unique coming into court even when arise vertically .
These nodes are the secret to this plant ’s invasive nature , however .
As the yearly vine die back to the caudex for wintertime , any nodes close enough to the soil to make contact will take root and evolve into new plant life .
Tendrils accompany the palm-shaped unripened leaves and help the plant grasp and climb to maximize light picture .
Flowering and Fragrance
While this works can blossom , the little green to xanthous flowers are easy miss .
Fertilized blooms may develop small fruit cluster that ripen to a purplish - black .
However , these berry are n’t edible , even with a glossy lustre like grapes .
Light and Temperature
This cissus plant can also allow fond shade conditions .
Indoors , give this plant a smirch at a sunny southern window for the best results .
The flora is rated for USDA hardiness zones 8b to 11 but will tolerate zona 12 .
You may also grow it outdoors in cooler zones if you bring it in before the temperature drops too low .
Tuberosa can handle high heating but is only mildly frost - tolerant .
idealistic lows are 40 ° to 50 ° Fahrenheit , though they can last abbreviated dips down to around 30 ° Fahrenheit .
At 28 ° Fahrenheit , the plant ’s tuber will meet frost damage .
Watering and Feeding
The caudex is a type of above - terra firma water store . It allows this plant life to survive drouth conditions .
However , you ’ll want to water it when the land feels ironical about midway down a container or 3″ to 4″ inch cryptical in the garden .
Cut back in autumn when the works dies back for the wintertime .
Your tuberosa does n’t require much encouragement to originate . But it will enjoy a monthly venereal disease of melted houseplant fertilizer in the spring and summertime .
adhere with a convention that ’s scurvy in atomic number 7 , as the elemental purpose of this nutrient is stem and foliage growing .
Soil and Transplanting
Any rich , well - draining soil is okay for tuberosa .
you may turn over in some well - molder manure or constituent compost , and perlite or vermiculite for garden planting .
For containers , any good cactus mix will work . Or use a richer mixing such as one for African violet .
take down that the richer the grunge , the quicker your plant will grow , so be sure to choose your mix based on this fact .
There ’s no data on growing this flora in container , but the emergence rate paint a picture you require to do an annual repotting . This is specially true if you see root set about to peek out of the drainage holes or soil Earth’s surface .
Outdoors , count transplanting to pots in the fall if you exist in a cooler zona .
If you do this , be sure to harden the plant in the natural spring before replant .
Grooming and Maintenance
Prune the theme on a regular basis , as the plant can quickly raise out of control .
This process does slow stock development . If you require a larger stock , you ’ll need to let it go a few years before the first pruning .
How to Propagate Cissus Tiliacea
Cultivation from seminal fluid is possible but problematic . Growers surmise the seeds may only be viable if fertilized by another plant .
However , the plant often ego - propagates through air layering . Also , bow cuttings have essay every bit viable .
Cissus Tuberosa Pests or Diseases
This cissus plant has a small frost margin but may suffer harm if exposed for recollective periods .
It ’s drouth - tolerant , and the yearly vine may die back so the stock can conserve water .
This plant can become extremely invasive if not properly maintained . Still , it is not restricted in the US .
Rot is the most predominant disease risk , include heart rot , root rot , or stem rot .
Botrytis blight and southerly blight may also be a problem .
Cissus flora are non - toxic to humans , favorite , and livestock , but the sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals .
Cissus Tiliacea Uses
Expect this plant to be a talk point among visitors , both sound and bad .
The unique flesh wo n’t appeal to those who prefer uniformity or attractive heyday .
Yet it is perfect for those who like something special .
The power to train it into vertical growth help oneself with indoor cultivation . It also reduces the endangerment of its taking over outdoor gardens .
Tiliacea can give other vining plants some welcome contention with its palm-shaped foliage .
There ’s grounds this plant was once quite popular and somehow pass off into obscurity . It is just beginning to gain grip once again .
