Vitis rotundifolia aka Muscadine Grape

Taxonomy

Vitis rotundifolia, also known as muscadine, is a grapevine species that is native to the southeastern and south-central regions of the United States. It has been cultivated extensively since the 16th century and is well-adapted to its warm and humid climate. Muscadine berries can be bronze, dark purple, or black when ripe, and wild varieties may stay green through maturity. The fruits have thick, tough skin, making eating raw fruit similar to eating a plum. Muscadines are used in making artisan wines, juice, and jelly and are known to be rich sources of polyphenols. In a natural setting, muscadine provides wildlife habitat as shelter, browse, and food for many birds and animals. The plant is also a larval host for the Nessus Sphinx Moth and the Mournful Sphinx Moth. Muscadine grapes are a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining, and it shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Muscadine grape belongs to the Vitis genus and is native to the Southern United States.

Common names

Muscadine Grape, Muscadine, Southern Fox Grape

How to care for Muscadine Grape

Difficulty

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

Water

Muscadine Grape should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Muscadine Grape 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

Muscadine Grape 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 Southern Fox Grape.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Muscadine Grape to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

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.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Muscadine Grape is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Muscadine Grape’s native range is South-eastern N. America - Delaware to Indiana and Kansas, south to Florida, Texas and Mexico.


More info:
Wikipedia