Ipomoea cairica aka Railroad Creeper
Taxonomy
Ipomoea cairica, also known as the mile-a-minute vine Messina creeper, Cairo morning glory, coast morning glory, and railroad creeper, is a vining, herbaceous, perennial plant with palmate leaves and large, showy white to lavender flowers. It is a species of morning glory that is a fast-growing vine and spreads easily by seed and stem fragments. It has been widely introduced as a garden ornamental across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. The species name cairica translates to "from Cairo", the city where this species was first collected. Mile-a-Minute Vine is a vigorous, perennial climber that thrives in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It likes well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. Supplementing with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season can also be beneficial.
Common names
Railroad Creeper, Railway Creeper, Mile A MinuteHow to care for Railroad Creeper
Difficulty
Railroad Creeper presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Railroad Creeper should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Railroad Creeper 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
Railroad Creeper thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mile A Minute.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Humidity
No additional humidity is required for the Railroad Creeper. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.
Region of origin
Railroad Creeper’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Ipomoea Genus
Ipomoea hederacea Ivy Leaved Morning Glory
Ipomoea obscura Obscure Morning Glory
Ipomoea pes-tigridis Morningglory
Ipomoea cristulata Trans Pecos Morning Glory
Ipomoea indica Blue Dawnflower
Ipomoea imperati Fiddle Leaf Morning Glory
Ipomoea jalapa
