Parthenocissus tricuspidata aka Boston Ivy

Taxonomy ID: 10181

Parthenocissus tricuspidata, also known as Boston ivy, grape ivy, Japanese ivy, Japanese creeper, and woodbine, is a deciduous woody vine that belongs to the grape family (Vitaceae). It is native to eastern Asia in Korea, Japan, and northern and eastern China. The plant can grow up to 30 meters tall or more given suitable support, attaching itself by means of numerous small branched tendrils tipped with sticky disks. The leaves are simple, palmately lobed with three lobes, occasionally unlobed or with five lobes, or sufficiently deeply lobed to be palmately compound with (usually) three leaflets, ranging from 5 to 22 cm across. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish, in clusters, and the fruit is a small dark blue grape 5–10 mm diameter. Japanese creeper is relatively easy to grow as a houseplant, but it needs regular watering to thrive and does best in long-lasting, direct light. It prefers soil that is well-draining and may benefit from a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season. The specific epithet tricuspidata means three-pointed, referring to the leaf shape.

Common names

Boston Ivy, Japanese Creeper, Japanese Ivy

More information about Boston Ivy

How difficult is it to take care of Boston Ivy

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Boston Ivy due to its easy-going nature.

What is the region of origin of Boston Ivy

Boston Ivy’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea. A garden escape in Britain.

What are the water needs for Boston Ivy

Boston Ivy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Boston Ivy

Boston Ivy 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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Boston Ivy

To ensure optimal growth, the Boston Ivy 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.

Is Boston Ivy toxic to humans/pets?

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.

More info:
Wikipedia