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Home Page » Home & Garden » Gardening » Kangaroo vine: Cissus antarctica

Kangaroo vine: Cissus antarctica

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Kangaroo vine is a versatile houseplant grown for its attractively toothed, glossy-green leaves. Train it to climb a post or tepee, or allow it to trail from a hanging basket. Kangaroo vine is happiest in a well-drained potting mix in bright, indirect light. Keep its vigorous growth in check by regularly pinching growing tips; this also promotes branching and fullness.

Profile

Plant typevine,house-plant
Lightbright-light-indoors
Height up to 10 ft.
Habitclimbing
Soil moistureaverage
Foliage colormedium-green
Foliage size5 in. to 5 in.

did you know?

Despite its botanical name, kangaroo vine is native to Australia. Its common name, kangaroo vine, probably comes from its vigorous growth habit?in the wild, it can scramble upwards of 50 feet. Indoors, it is more likely to reach a more manageable 10 feet.

general maintenance:

Groom plants, removing yellowed foliage. Occasionally pinch back growing tips to encourage branching, and wipe dust off leaves with a clean, soft cloth. Repot in spring if pot bound. If desired, provide support for kangaroo vine to climb on and guide its upward progress, or let it trail from a hanging basket.

pests/diseases:

Spider mites, mealybugs, and powdery and downy mildews may occur.

controls:

Control spider mites and mealybugs with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following label directions. To control spider mites, mist frequently to increase humidity, or place plants on shallow tray filled with moistened pebbles. To control powdery and downy mildews, increase space between plants, and thin foliage. Pick off diseased leaves, and remove and destroy severely infected plants.

how to sow/plant:

Start with established plants or rooted stem cuttings in well-drained potting mix. If repotting, set plants at same level they grew in previous pot. The soil level should be 1/2 to 1 inch below rim of pot to provide a reservoir when watering.

water and fertilize:

Water when soil surface is dry to the touch; water more sparingly in winter. Feed monthly with water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, following label directions. Stop feeding in winter, when the plant is resting, but resume in spring as days lengthen.

features:

    garden uses:

    • Climbing
    • Indoors

    other uses:

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