Cissus rotundifolia aka Venezuelan Treebine

Cissus rotundifolia is an evergreen vine in the grape family, Vitaceae. Its native range runs from East Africa to Arabia. Common names include Venezuelan treebine and Peruvian grape ivy. Despite those names, the listed native range lies elsewhere. Gardeners grow it as a houseplant or under glass. It also suits a conservatory, where its stems can climb.

The leaves are round and glossy, and tendrils help it climb. With support, the plant grows up rather than trailing down. Without support, its shoots can hang over a pot's edge. The RHS lists a mature height of 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Its spread reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. The same account describes climbing growth to 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Allow five to ten years for the plant to mature. These figures give a guide when choosing space and support.

Give it bright light without direct sun when growing indoors. The RHS also lists partial shade as a suitable position. Use a peat-free potting mix with a loam base. Keep the mix moist, but allow excess water to drain. The listed soil range includes acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Water moderately while the plant grows, then reduce watering in winter. During the growing season, feed monthly with a high-nitrogen fertiliser. Its tolerance of dry air makes indoor care less demanding. It also copes with missed or uneven watering.

A trellis or obelisk gives the tendrils a climbing frame. Let the stems trail instead if that suits the space. Trim shoots when they grow too long for their position. The plant's climbing and trailing habits offer two ways to display it. Its evergreen leaves keep that display in place through the year. The RHS classes it as an easy, low-maintenance houseplant. It gives a UK hardiness rating of H1B. This allows outdoor summer use, with a stated range of 50–59°F [10–15°C]. Choose a sheltered site for outdoor placement.

Watch for red spider mites and mealybugs on indoor plants. The RHS reports few disease problems for this species. Semi-ripe cuttings provide a way to raise new plants. The supplied species account gives no flower or fruit details. It also gives no evidence about edibility or toxicity.