Actinidia polygama (also known as 개다래; gaedarae, silver vine, matatabi (マタタビ), and cat powder) is a species of kiwifruit in the Actinidiaceae family. It grows in the mountainous areas of Korea, Japan and China at elevations between 500 and 1,900 metres (1,600 and 6,200 ft). Silver vine can reach up to 5–6 metres (16–20 ft) high at maturity. It is a deciduous climber and tolerates temperatures down to −30 °C (−22 °F). The petiole leaves are silver and white in color and 6–13 centimetres (2.4–5.1 in) long and 4–9 centimetres (1.6–3.5 in) wide. These colorful markings make the plant identifiable from afar, until the flowering season when the leaves turn completely green. The flowering season lasts from late June to early July, in which the plant bears white flowers about 2.5 centimetres (1 in) in diameter. The longevity of an individual flower is 2–3 days, when the plant also starts to develop small, yellow to yellow-red, egg-shaped, fleshy, and multiseeded fruits, which mature from September to October. The fruit is about 1.5 centimetres (0.59 in) wide and 3–4 centimetres (1.2–1.6 in) long. The inside of the fruit resembles the common kiwifruit, but it is orange in color rather than green. The silver vine plant requires moist, well-drained soil, and partial shade to full sun. This fast-growing vine makes for good cover on a fence or trellis. It is becoming increasingly popular as an edible fruit crop.
Silver vine has strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. However, smaller plants should be trimmed after they have finished blooming. Silver vinet is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.
How to keep Actinidia Polygama.
Light
Silver vine tends to thrive in places with plentiful sunlight throughout the day, though it can tolerate situations with only modest light. There is a clear connection between healthy growth and having ample sun. However, too little or too much light can inhibit growth or cause leaf burn.
Water
Silver vine, a plant native to Japan and China, thrives in well-draining soils with moderate moisture levels. To keep it healthy, it needs to be watered weekly, ensuring it stays consistently hydrated without becoming waterlogged. Although it is typically grown outdoors, rainfall often provides the moisture it requires for optimal growth.
Temperature
Silver vine is highly adaptable to a range of climates, from very hot summers to cold winters. Nevertheless, it prefers a certain temperature range for optimal growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can kill it. Where temperatures reach the lower edge of its cold tolerance, providing insulation to protect the plant is necessary.
Fertilizer
The timing of fertilizing Silver vine is important. Apply fertilizer in early spring and then once a month through early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.
Pruning
Silver vine is a plant known for its distinctive silver-colored leaves and its ability to attract cats. To promote healthy growth, prune it in early spring by removing any dead or crossing branches. Trim back any long shoots to maintain the desired shape and size. Always ensure your tools are clean to prevent the spread of disease, and make cuts just above healthy buds. This will encourage flowering and enhance the plant's ornamental appeal.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Actinidia
- Family
- Actinidiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-9
- Mature Height
- 3.66 m to 6.1 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.44 m to 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Russia, Japan, Koppen, South Korea, China
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Silver vine plant in the best way?
To promote excellent root development, it's advisable to place a garden hose at the base of your plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, and keep in mind that outdoor plants in direct sunlight might need more water for their leaves. Another option is to use bubblers to moisten the roots of each plant individually. Soaker hoses can also be used to thoroughly water the entire garden or bed, especially when adding or removing plants. Remember to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level helps prevent diseases. On a sunny day, consider spraying the entire bush with water. Whether your Silver vine is potted or in the ground, remember that it prefers deep watering instead of light sprinkling.
Why is it necessary to use fertilizer on my Silver vine plant?
No matter what type of Silver vine you have, regular fertilization is essential for its overall health. By providing the right nutrients, your Silver vine will grow stronger and be better equipped to handle tough growing conditions, as well as resist diseases and pests. Since the foliage of your Silver vine is a key feature, it's important to maintain it. This can be achieved by following a regular fertilization schedule tailored to your specific Silver vine. Following this schedule will promote the growth of vibrant, lush leaves with a deep color.
What are the sunlight requirements for Silver vine?
Silver vine requires full sun, meaning it should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily, or partial sun, with about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's vital to watch how sunlight moves through your garden to pick spots that offer the right balance of light and shade, ensuring your plants thrive. While Silver vine proliferates best with abundant sun exposure, it can also grow in conditions with modest sunlight. Too little or too much sunlight, however, can harm the plant, leading to growth issues or leaf burn.
What is Silver Vine?
Silver Vine, scientifically known as Actinidia polygama, is a plant. Unfortunately, there is no further information provided about its essentials, symptoms of interest, or additional details.
What should I do if I give Silver vine too much or too little water?
An overwatered Silver vine can show signs such as yellowing, dropping leaves, and wilting. The plant may also appear dull and unhealthy, with mushy stems. If you notice these signs, adjust your watering schedule. Wilting can also indicate under watering, with leaves becoming crispy and dry. In such cases, check the soil and provide a thorough watering if needed. However, despite sufficient water, the plant may still appear dry with yellow leaves due to root damage. Once it returns to normal, the yellowing will stop. For indoor Silver vines, regularly check the moisture levels and avoid overwatering. Look out for black spots, and if present, allow the soil to dry out for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so if you observe discolored and slimy roots, consider transferring the plant to a different pot. Always prevent root rot by avoiding excessively soggy soil. When planting Silver vines outdoors, dig deeper and if the soil feels dry, it may indicate underwatering. Ensure adequate watering to aid in the plant's recovery.
When should I put fertilizer on my Silver vine?
To ensure healthy growth of your Silver vine, fertilize it for the first time in late winter or early spring. This provides essential nutrients for the upcoming warm weather. In warm climate regions, it is beneficial to fertilize again in early fall. This not only adds nutrients for the following growing season but also helps the plant withstand the winter cold and prevent foliage damage. By fertilizing earlier, new branches will have enough time to develop and endure the cold winter.
How does artificial lighting affect the growth of Silver vine indoors?
When natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting becomes crucial for Silver vine's growth indoors. Adequate lighting can promote faster, healthier growth. LED lights are recommended because they can provide specific wavelengths needed by the plants. Full sun plants require 30-50W per square foot, partial sun plants need 20-30W per square foot, and full shade plants should have 10-20W per square foot of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, simulating natural sunlight, and most plants benefit from 8-12 hours of light per day.
How frequently do I need to water my Silver vine plant?
The Silver vine prefers deep and infrequent watering, especially when planted in pots. Water them with a gallon of water each time to account for limited water storage in the pots. In cold regions, water every 3 to 5 days, preferably in the morning when the soil is dry. Check the soil inside to determine if watering is needed - if the top 2-3 inches are dry, it's time to water. During hot days, check the moisture daily as the heat can quickly dry out the soil in the pot. If you have a garden, irrigation of the soil is necessary. In hot climates, water once a week when about 2 to 3 inches of soil becomes too dry. Take rainfall into consideration and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. If there is ample rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. Silver vine typically grows in spring and fall. When planted outdoors, add 3 to 4 inches of mulch to conserve water. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering due to its fast drainage, while clay soil requires less frequent watering to prevent root rot. Keep track of watering dates on a calendar and pay attention to drooping leaves as a sign that watering might be needed.
When is not a good time to fertilize my Silver vine?
Avoid fertilizing your Silver vine during specific times of the year. Firstly, do not fertilize during the early and mid-winter months as the plant is dormant and does not require feeding. Additionally, it is not recommended to fertilize in late spring and throughout the summer due to potentially high temperatures and dry conditions. Fertilizing during this period can have a negative effect on your Silver vine. To prevent any issues, follow a schedule that involves fertilizing only in early spring and early fall.
What are the symptoms of light deficiency in Silver vine?
Silver vine may show several symptoms when exposed to suboptimal lighting, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, and various symptoms of too much sunlight like chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These signs indicate either insufficient sunlight or overexposure, affecting the plant's health and ability to photosynthesize effectively.
How much water does my Silver vine plant need?
The Silver vine generally needs about a gallon of water on a regular schedule. For potted plants, water them deeply until the water is dripping from the bottom of the pot, then wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Use a water calculator or moisture meter to track how much water you've given the plant in a week. During the flowering period, provide plenty of water, but allow the moisture to evaporate afterwards to prevent root rot. If the Silver vine is planted outdoors and receives adequate rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. When the Silver vine is young or newly planted, ensure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the Silver vine grows, it can rely solely on rainfall. Only during very hot weather or extended periods without rainfall should you consider fully watering the Silver vine during the cooler parts of the day to prevent heat damage. Additional watering will be needed during prolonged dry spells.
Which fertilizer does my Silver vine plant need?
Most Silver vines primarily require nitrogen as the most important nutrient, but phosphorus and potassium are still important. To ensure proper growth, a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 can be effective, as it provides adequate amounts of all three main nutrients. However, for optimal growth, a more nuanced nutrient ratio is often recommended for Silver vines. Fertilizers with slightly higher nitrogen content, such as a 10-6-4 ratio, tend to yield better results. Additionally, both granular and liquid-based fertilizers can be used for fertilizing purposes.