Muehlenbeckia complexa aka Maidenhair Vine

Taxonomy

Muehlenbeckia complexa, commonly known as pohuehue or maidenhair vine, is a deciduous climber that can be found in various regions of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, and North and South America. Its evergreen curly vines can trail around small spaces in the garden or grow as decorative plants indoors. With its dense masses of slender, wiry, interlaced stems, it can reach a height of 2.5-3m. The dark green leaves, which vary in shape from roundish to heart-shaped, oblong, and fiddle-shaped, are small, measuring up to 2cm long. In autumn, greenish flowers are borne in small terminal and axillary spikes. On female plants, the perianth persists to a fruiting stage, becoming enlarged and glistening waxy white, enclosing a black, shining nutlet. Muehlenbeckia complexa is a versatile plant that can provide shade for other plant companions, forming a green, protective curtain from above. It is also known as the "mattress plant" due to its ability to cover flat spaces like a mattress, as well as the "wiggy-bush" or "wire vine."

Common names

Maidenhair Vine, Wireplant, Lacy Wirevine

How to care for Maidenhair Vine

Difficulty

Maidenhair Vine presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Maidenhair Vine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Maidenhair Vine, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Maidenhair Vine 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

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.

Region of origin

Maidenhair Vine’s native range is New Zealand.


More info:
Wikipedia