Cissus quadrangularis aka Winged Treebine

Taxonomy

Cissus quadrangularis, also known as veldt grape, winged treebine, devil's backbone, asthisamharaka, hadjod, and pirandai, is a perennial plant of the grape family. It is a succulent climber with tendrils and thick, jointed, 4-angled stems. Native to tropical Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and much of Africa, this plant reaches a height of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and has quadrangular-sectioned branches with leathery edges. Its toothed trilobe leaves, measuring 2-5 cm (0.8-2.0 in) wide, appear at the nodes, along with tendrils emerging from the opposite side. Racemes of small white, yellowish, or greenish flowers give way to globular red berries when ripe. With a history of medicinal use since ancient times, Cissus quadrangularis is a versatile and valuable plant.

Common names

Winged Treebine, Veldt Grape, Devil's Backbone

How to care for Winged Treebine

Difficulty

Winged Treebine is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Winged Treebine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Winged Treebine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Winged Treebine prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The Winged Treebine does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Winged Treebine should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Winged Treebine’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia