Cissus discolor

RHS Plant Profile

rex begonia vine

Synonyms

Cissus javana
Cissus velutina

Houseplants

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A slender, evergreen climber to 2.5m, with red stems and tendrils. The elongated, heart-shaped leaves are dark green with silvery or pink zones between the veins; the undersides are dark purple. Can be grown as either a climbing or trailing houseplant

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1B

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Vitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Climbing, Trailing
Genus: Cissus can be perennials, shrubs or climbers, sometimes with succulent stems or rootstocks, and with simple or palmately lobed or divided, evergreen leaves and clusters of insignificant flowers followed by small berries
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: SE Asia to Aus.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, indirect light. Water freely during the growing season and apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; water moderately in winter. Provide trellis or obelisk if you want the vine to climb. See houseplant cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Trim back overly-long shoots as needed

Pests

May be susceptible to red spider mite and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free