How to care for Cissus: Care tips for houseplants

You have probably encountered this plant family before, but did you know that the Cissus (also known as the Sugar Grape Vine) is a true all-rounder? This plant family is popular not only for its fast growth and heart-shaped leaves but also for its flexible nature. It can effortlessly adapt to various interior styles, making it perfect for plant enthusiasts looking to add some variety to their collection.

Why the name "Sugar Grape Vine"? You might be wondering where the nickname "Sugar Grape Vine" comes from. The word "sugar" refers to the tiny, sugar-like particles found on the underside of the leaves. These particles help protect the plant by keeping insects and other threats away. The second part of the name, "grape vine," comes from the plant's stem, which is related to the vine that grapes grow on. This charming name perfectly suits this lovely trailing plant.

It thrives as both a climbing and hanging plant but also makes for lush decoration on a wall or shelf. Moreover, it comes in various shapes and sizes, each with its own unique look. Whether you're looking for a large green plant for the corner of the room or a compact variety for the windowsill, the Cissus is always a great choice!

Fun fact! The Cissus isn’t just a beautiful and versatile plant for your home; it’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in Asia and Africa. It is believed to help strengthen bones, relieve joint pain, and promote healing after injuries!

Cissus care: 10 expert tips for growing it successfully

1. Place your Cissus in a spot with plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. A window where it catches some sun in the morning or evening works great!
2. Occasionally trim your Cissus to prevent long, stretched-out stems. This keeps it compact and healthy!
3. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry. In summer, water more often; in winter, less frequently.
4. Too much water can lead to root rot. Watch for wilting or yellowing leaves and mold as signs of overwatering.
5. Feed your Cissus only in spring and summer when it’s actively growing. Use the correct amount of fertiliser to avoid overfeeding.
6. The Cissus prefers a warm spot (18-29°C) and a humidity level of 40-60%. In winter, occasionally mist it if the air is dry from heating.
7. Repot your Cissus annually to give its roots enough space. Choose a pot with drainage holes and use airy potting soil.
8. If your Cissus becomes too large or starts hanging over the edge, place it in a hanging pot to maintain its compact shape and natural, lush growth.
9. Keep your Cissus away from cold drafts or heat sources, as they can disrupt its growth.
10. Want baby plants? Cut a healthy stem and place it in water to root. After 4-6 weeks, once the first roots appear, transfer the cutting to a new pot!

Cissus care

Light & Placement

Your Cissus loves plenty of indirect light or a spot with partial shade. Don’t place it too far from a window, ideally facing east or west. It enjoys a few hours of sunlight per day, but avoid the harsh midday sun as it can "burn" its leaves. Too much sun can cause it to stretch and lose its vibrant color, while too little light can slow its growth.

Expert tip: Did you know different types of Cissus have varying light needs? Cissus javana and amazonica don’t like direct sunlight, while Cissus rotundifolia thrives in more sun. Make sure your plant gets a bit of morning or evening sun, but not the full midday heat!

Water

The Cissus likes balance when it comes to watering. Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry. It enjoys slightly moist soil, so check by sticking your finger into the soil (about two knuckles deep) to see if it is time for a drink. How often you water depends on your plant’s size and light conditions. If the soil stays wet for 4 days, it needs less water. If it dries out in 2 days, give it a drink! In summer, during its active growth phase, it needs more water, while in winter, you can water less often—about every two weeks should be fine.

Overwatering can harm your Cissus. Watch out for these signs of overwatering:

- Root rot: Brown, black, or slimy roots with a foul smell.

- Constantly wet soil: If the soil stays wet and doesn’t dry out, this is often a sign of overwatering.

- Wilting leaves: Even if you are watering enough, wilting leaves may indicate damaged roots.

- Yellowing leaves: Yellowing and falling leaves can be a sign that the roots aren't getting enough oxygen because of too much water.

- Mold or mildew: White or gray spots on leaves or soil can signal mold due to overwatering.

- Gnats in the soil: Tiny flying insects in moist soil can indicate overwatering.

Fertiliser

For the best care, only fertilize your Cissus in spring and summer when it’s actively growing. In autumn and winter, it doesn’t need nutrients, so it is better to skip the feeding. Too much fertilizer can harm the plant! You can use PLNTS nutrition, but always follow the instructions for proper dosing.

Start fertilizing when the nutrients in the potting soil run out (around 6-8 weeks). Be cautious with the dosage! Too much fertilizer can disturb the soil’s pH, making it harder for the roots to absorb water, and this can lead to problems. So, take it easy, and your Cissus will thank you!

Temperature & humidity

Your Cissus loves warm temperatures between 18°C and 29°C, with a humidity level of about 40 to 60%. In winter, when indoor air tends to dry out due to heating, you can help by misting it weekly. This will keep it looking glossy and happy!

If you notice it shedding leaves, it's often a sign that the air is too dry. Try placing it in a more humid room (the bathroom is ideal!) or using a humidifier. Also, be sure to keep it away from drafts or too close to heating sources, as this can disrupt its growth.

Soil & repotting

Repotting is important for your Cissus, especially when its roots become too large or the plant is not growing well. Choose a pot that is one size larger and has drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, inspect the roots, and trim away any damaged ones. Place the plant in the new pot, fill it with potting mix, firm the soil, and water it.

For a healthy Cissus, the right potting mix is crucial: a blend of PLNTS potting soil and perlite is ideal, as it ensures a light, airy texture and good drainage. Avoid heavy clay soil, as it can cause root rot. It's best to repot in the spring, when the plant is in its growing phase. Repotting annually keeps your Cissus healthy and strong!

Pruning

Regular pruning is key to keeping your Cissus in check and maintaining a compact shape! Since the Cissus grows quickly, it may be necessary to prune back long or leggy stems and remove any yellow or dried leaves. This helps the plant stay fresh and healthy. Pruning also stimulates the growth of new stems, making the plant fuller. It is best to do this in spring or early summer, during its active growing season. Always use clean, sharp tools, and make sure to water the plant well after pruning!

Expert tip: Since Cissus grows quickly, if you want to keep it smaller, place it in a slightly smaller pot. It may start to hang over the edge, so choose a slightly taller pot or hanging pot. If it gets too large or starts to trail, a hanging pot is a smart solution. This allows it to show off its natural, lush growth while benefiting from light without you tripping over its long stems!

Propagating Cissus

Propagating Cissus through stem cuttings is simple and a fun way to create new plants. By cutting a healthy stem and rooting it, you can quickly grow new plants with minimal effort. All you need is a bit of patience and care. Within a few weeks, you will see results!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to propagating your Cissus using stem cuttings:

1. Choose a healthy, mature stem with 2-3 leaf nodes. Cut the stem just below a node (where a leaf or side branch emerges) using clean, sharp scissors. A 15-20 cm cutting is ideal.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting so that 5-10 cm of the stem is exposed. This prevents the leaves from sitting in water and rotting.
3. You can dip the cut end of the stem in rooting powder to encourage root formation. Though this isn't strictly necessary, it can help improve the success rate!
4. Place the cutting in a glass of water. Ensure that only the lower part of the stem (without leaves) is submerged in the water. It usually takes about 4-6 weeks for roots to appear. Patience is key!
5. Once the cutting has developed roots, transfer it to a pot with well-draining potting soil. Make sure the roots are covered and water the plant immediately.

Expert tip: Want to speed up rooting? Cover the pot or water container with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place the cutting in a warm, bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight.

6. Place the new plant in a bright spot with indirect sunlight and water regularly. Take good care of it, and once it’s established, you can repot it and let it continue to grow.

Expert tip: If you want to keep your Cissus compact, prune it regularly. The stems you cut off can be used right away to make new cuttings!

Most common pests and diseases on Cissus

Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. It is important to check regularly, especially under and between the leaves, as catching the problem early makes it easier to treat. You can choose to use organic treatments, rinse the plant in the shower, or mist the leaves frequently. A mixture of 2% green soap and Neem oil helps against spider mites and aphids. For scale insects, you can gently treat the pests with Neem oil and wipe them off. This will keep your plant in top condition!

Is Cissus toxic for your pets or children?

Cissus is non-toxic, so you can safely keep it in your home even if you have cats or dogs. However, a small warning: the flowers and berries are not safe to eat, so keep them out of reach of curious pets or small children. If anything does happen, it's always a good idea to consult a doctor or veterinarian. Overall, Cissus is a safe choice for your home!

Buy Cissus online at PLNTS.com

Now that you know everything about Cissus, you can give it the care it deserves and let it shine! The Cissus family fits perfectly into various interior styles, offering something beautiful for every plant lover! The Cissus discolor is a real showstopper with its stunning purple and silver leaves. Other beautiful varieties include Cissus rhombifolia (grape ivy), with its lush green leaves, and Cissus striata, which stands out with its light green, ribbed leaves. What do they all have in common? They grow quickly, are easy to care for, and instantly add charm to your home. So, what are you waiting for? Buy Cissus online at PLNTS.com and give your home a green boost!