Cissus trifoliata

RHS Plant Profile
marine ivy

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Other common names

marine vine, possum grape, sorrel vine

Synonyms

Cissus rocheana
Cissus acida
Cissus incisa

Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A vigorous climer with tendrils and glossy leaves divided into 3 toothed leaflets; the foliage has an unpleasant smell when crushed

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–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)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Vitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Climbing
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
S US, N Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in pots of peat-free, loam-based compost with extra added grit in bright, filtered light. Water freely while in growth and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly; water sparingly in winter. Pot every 2-3 years and top dress in spring

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Hanging Basket
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

See pruning group 11; pinch out young plants to encourage bushiness

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free