How to Grow and Care for Cissus Discolor
Discover how to maintain a healthy Cissus discolor, from its specific humidity requirements to understanding its natural winter dormancy for year-round care.
The Cissus discolor, often called the Rex Begonia Vine despite not being a true begonia, is a tropical plant from Southeast Asia admired for its decorative foliage. Its heart-shaped leaves feature deep green and silver markings on the surface, with rich burgundy or purple undersides. This fast-growing plant has a vining habit, using slender tendrils to climb, making it a dynamic addition to any indoor space.
Cissus Discolor Care Guide
Light
Cissus discolor flourishes in bright, indirect light, which mimics the filtered sunlight of a tropical forest canopy. An east-facing window with gentle morning sun is an excellent location. Avoid placing it in direct afternoon sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and cause the colors to fade. If the silver patterns become dull, the plant may need a brighter location.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix rich in organic material is best. A suitable blend combines standard potting soil with perlite and orchid bark. This mixture ensures water drains effectively, preventing waterlogged soil while still retaining adequate moisture. The plant prefers a light, airy medium with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0 to 6.5.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, as this can lead to root rot. Before watering, check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. After watering, ensure any excess has drained completely from the pot and the plant is not left sitting in water.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical native, Cissus discolor thrives in warm and humid conditions, preferring temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (16°C to 27°C). Protect it from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops. To increase humidity, you can place the plant on a pebble tray with water, group it with other plants, or use a room humidifier.
Fertilizer
During its active growing season in the spring and summer, Cissus discolor benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month, diluted to half-strength to avoid over-fertilizing. Begin fertilizing when you notice new growth and continue through summer.
Pruning and Providing Support
Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages a fuller, bushier appearance. Trim back long or leggy vines by making cuts just above a leaf node using clean, sharp shears. This plant’s vining habit allows it to either trail or climb. To support its climbing, provide a small trellis or moss pole for its tendrils to grasp. Alternatively, it is well-suited for hanging baskets where its foliage can cascade downwards.
Propagating Cissus Discolor
Propagating Cissus discolor is done with stem cuttings, preferably during the spring and summer growing season. Select a healthy stem and use sterilized scissors to cut a 4- to 6-inch section just below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
You can root the cutting in either water or soil. For water propagation, place the stem in a jar of water, ensuring the nodes are submerged. For soil propagation, dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Place the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, and roots should develop in a few weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you notice the edges of the leaves becoming brown and crispy, the cause is likely low humidity. This issue is particularly common in homes with dry air from heating systems during winter.
This plant can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves for fine webbing or small cottony masses and treat any infestation promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Sudden leaf drop during the growing season often indicates improper watering from either too wet or too dry soil.
Understanding its Dormancy Period
Cissus discolor often undergoes a period of dormancy or slowed growth during the fall and winter months. This is a natural response to shorter days and can manifest as significant leaf drop or even the vines dying back. It is important to recognize that the plant is not dead but is simply resting.
When you observe your plant entering this phase, significantly reduce your watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings. You should also completely stop fertilizing until new growth appears in the spring. With the arrival of warmer weather, you can expect to see new shoots emerge, at which point you can resume your regular care routine.