Cissus

The genus Cissus includes more than 350 species of herbaceous, shrubby and succulent plants. Succulent species are usually compact, some with a branched trunk. Of these, Cissus bainesii is most often grown with a bottle-shaped stem, which in natural conditions reaches a height of 2 m, while in a pot it grows no higher than 60 cm. The trunk is covered with gradually falling" paper " bark of the previous year. In summer, large trifoliate leaves with a serrated edge appear and fall off by winter (when the plant passes into the dormant period). At the end of summer, yellow star-shaped flowers bloom; in their place, red berries form. Much more common than succulent ones are lianas-climbing shrubby species. The most common cissus antarctica (C. antarctica) is a decorative - leaved evergreen plant: it tolerates indoor smoke better than all others and is unpretentious and less demanding to the temperature (minimum 8 °C) compared to other species. Large ovate, slightly pointed dark green glossy leaves up to 10 cm long; with the help of antennae, the cissus clings to the support. It grows successfully in both warm and cool areas; it can withstand shading. Another widely grown species is cissus rhombifolia (C. rhombifolia) - common in indoor culture liana, which is called "birch". It has complex triple leaves with diamond-shaped leaflets. Reaches 2 m in height; cultivated more often as ampelous. There are many varieties, some of them compact. Cissus multi-colored (C. discolor) grows up to 2-4 m in height, characterized by a spectacular color. The leaves are up to 15 cm long, dark green in color with silvery spots on the upper side, and purplish - purple below. This species is more sensitive to low temperatures than others (minimum 15 °C), thermophilic and moisture-loving.

The genus Cissus includes more than 350 species of herbaceous, shrubby and succulent plants.

Succulent species are usually compact, some with a branched trunk. Of these, Cissus bainesii is most often grown with a bottle-shaped stem, which in natural conditions reaches a height of 2 m, while in a pot it grows no higher than 60 cm. The trunk is covered with gradually falling" paper " bark of the previous year. In summer, large trifoliate leaves with a serrated edge appear and fall off by winter (when the plant passes into the dormant period).

At the end of summer, yellow star-shaped flowers bloom; in their place, red berries form.

Much more common than succulent ones are lianas-climbing shrubby species.

The most common cissus antarctica (C. antarctica) is a decorative - leaved evergreen plant: it tolerates indoor smoke better than all others and is unpretentious and less demanding to the temperature (minimum 8 °C) compared to other species. Large ovate, slightly pointed dark green glossy leaves up to 10 cm long; with the help of antennae, the cissus clings to the support. It grows successfully in both warm and cool areas; it can withstand shading.

Another widely grown species is cissus rhombifolia (C. rhombifolia) - common in indoor culture liana, which is called "birch".

It has complex triple leaves with diamond-shaped leaflets. Reaches 2 m in height; cultivated more often as ampelous.

There are many varieties, some of them compact.

Cissus multi-colored (C. discolor) grows up to 2-4 m in height, characterized by a spectacular color. The leaves are up to 15 cm long, dark green in color with silvery spots on the upper side, and purplish - purple below. This species is more sensitive to low temperatures than others (minimum 15 °C), thermophilic and moisture-loving.

Cultivation

Representatives of the genus Cissus are indoor plants. Succulent species can be grown in pots outdoors, in a sheltered sunny place. In August, they should be removed to the house. Climbing shrubby species can be exposed to the fresh air in partial shade, but only in mild climates. In the fall, they are brought back. They require supports or grilles. For a time, these species can be grown as ampel plants, but after they are stretched excessively, they are strongly pruned or already grown as climbing plants. For Cissuses, a mixture of turf, leaf, humus, and peat land is used and sand. Complex mineral fertilizers are added to water for irrigation every 20-30 days - fed. When climbing species grow too much, they can be shortened by 1/3 or 2/3, cutting off 10-15 cm from the side shoots. This operation is performed at the end of winter, before the beginning of active vegetative growth.

Representatives of the genus Cissus are indoor plants. Succulent species can be grown in pots outdoors, in a sheltered sunny place. In August, they should be removed to the house. Climbing shrubby species can be exposed to the fresh air in partial shade, but only in mild climates. In the fall, they are brought back. They require supports or grilles. For a time, these species can be grown as ampel plants, but after they are stretched excessively, they are strongly pruned or already grown as climbing plants. For Cissuses, a mixture of turf, leaf, humus, and peat land is used and sand. Complex mineral fertilizers are added to water for irrigation every 20-30 days - fed. When climbing species grow too much, they can be shortened by 1/3 or 2/3, cutting off 10-15 cm from the side shoots. This operation is performed at the end of winter, before the beginning of active vegetative growth.

Location

Succulent species require maximum illumination, even open sun. Climbing shrubs need a semi-lit place or partial shade, and direct sunlight is completely contraindicated for them.

Temperature

The requirements of succulent and climbing shrub species differ. The former tolerates temperatures up to 8 °C in winter, and even up to 5 °C in a dry environment. In contrast, climbing species, with the exception of Antarctic cissus, do not withstand conditions when the temperature drops below 10-15 °C.

Watering

Succulent species are drought tolerant. They are watered only during the growth period, from the beginning of the appearance of leaves (late August). By the onset of vegetative dormancy in the plant, watering is gradually reduced. Climbing shrub species are watered frequently. When the temperature drops, watering is reduced.

Transplant

Transplanting into a new pot is done annually in the spring. The size of the new pots is gradually increased to a diameter of 24-30 cm, and then the ground is partially replaced with a new one.

Reproduction

Succulent species are propagated mainly by seeds. Species that form long whips can be cut. Cuttings are cut in spring, allowed to dry out for several hours, and then planted in cups filled with a mixture of peat and fertile land. After root formation, they are transplanted into a pot with a diameter of 12-14 cm. Climbing shrubby species are propagated by cuttings 7-10 cm long. They are taken from side shoots from the end of June to the end of July and planted in boxes or cups filled with soil, 2/3 consisting of peat and 1/3 - made of sand. Maintain high humidity and a temperature of 18-20 °C. Cuttings easily take root at a soil temperature of 20 °C. Do not forget to pinch them so that the plants branch better. Rhombic cissus is usually propagated by cuttings that easily form roots in water.

Diseases

On the leaves of Antarctic cissus, brown spots often appear-a consequence of too low temperatures and watering with cold water. Plants are affected by leaf aphids and spider mites. Treatment with chemical preparations should be carried out carefully, in many species the leaves are very sensitive. Excess water and too dense soil increase the likelihood of root rot, which leads to wilting of the plant. You should temporarily stop watering and replace the ground.