Houseplant of the Week: Grape Ivy

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Grape Ivy goes by the formal name Cissus rhombifolia. Technically isn’t an ivy plant, but it does allow you to bring that vineyard look right into your home. It’s also sometimes referred to as the Oak Leaf Ivy because of the shape of its leaves.

It can be potted, trail down from a basket or climb – and no matter how you use it, it always looks good.

This is a low-light vine, which makes it a great indoor plant. However, if you are using it as a climbing plant, know it will climb towards the nearest light source (and it can grow to about five feet indoors). However, you can just prune it if it grows past where you want it.

The most important part of caring for your Grape Ivy is making sure it has enough, but not too much, water. That starts with planting it in a rich soil and drains well and in a container with plenty of drainage holes.

During the growing season, provide your Grape Ivy with steady water to keep the soil consistently moist, but not drenched. You can cut back on watering in the winter and allow the soil to dry in-between doses of water.

Though they need a lot of water, grape ivy plants are especially susceptible to root rot, so it’s important to plant them in the right soil and keep an eye on their reaction to your watering. If you notice the plant dropping leaves, it’s likely a sign that it’s receiving too much water and you should adjust accordingly.