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

Winged Treebine requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Winged Treebine will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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