Cissus Species, Grape Ivy, Oak Leaf Ivy

My amazing oak-leaf ivy was received as a gift in 1980. Since then it only required re-potting twice. It had thrived and provided many ...Read Morerooted cuttings that have been shared with friends and family -- they report that the "babies" have also done well. Finally, at the age of 41 years, the main stem had gotten pretty gnarly and the original plant wasn't looking so great. With a heavy heart, I added the mama plant to the compost pile, but not before potting up a couple of its rooted (in water) starts, and both are doing beautifully. When I share the story with friends, I can almost say that the plant is now 42 years old -- a stretch I guess but it is literally the same plant - just rejuvenated.

I love this plant,with its dark glossy leaves and its trailing habit,and its such an easy plant to care for. Here in the UK it is quite d...Read Moreifficult to find,I managed to get a rooted cutting earlier this year,and now its grown to be a beautiful elegant plant,I have it trailing at present and keep it in the house,I'm not sure if it could grow outdoors here,probably too cold.

Grape-leaf ivy is a great house plant that develops an elegant draping form and is tolerant of a variety of light conditions. BUT it is n...Read Moreot a pest-free plant. Grape ivy is quite susceptible to powdery mildew (a white, dusty looking coating on the leaves) when the plant is not given adequate ventilation/air movement around the leaves. Oak leaf ivy is less susceptible and is an equally nice, elegant houseplant.

This is one tough plant! My family's original plant, which is over 30 years old, was bought by my grandmother. She always called i...Read Moret "grape-leafed ivy". I only recently found the botanical name for the one we have--Cissus Rhombifolia. She gave starts to many people including my Dad, but when she passed away I inherited her plant. After my father passed away, I also became caretaker of his plant which is 20-25 years old. I gave my brother a start shortly after my father's death in 2000. It is now a thriving "youngster" at seven years old. I'm waiting for my two nephews to get their own homes so they can carry on the "family tradition"!
I live in extreme southern Ohio (Zone 6a) and I can hang them on my breezeway from April through October. Then each plant has its own hook to bask in the filtered southern exposure sun during the winter. The plants require lots of water especially when hanging outside where they may get more direct sun. In the winter you can cut back some but don't let them dry out!. They will naturally drop a few leaves in winter. In spring, I fertilize lightly and prune as needed. With this plant , you can start your own "family tradition"!