Cissus discolor
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Cissus discolor

Climbing-begonia · Trailing-begonia · Rex-begonia-vine · Rex begonia vine

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_shade
Water every
3 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 11–12
Click count
27
Observations
90

Description

Source: leafsnap

Southeast Asia, particularly Java Island and Cambodia, is home to the evergreen, perennial, flowering trailing plant known as Cissus discolor, commonly referred to as the rex begonia vine. Cissus alata, also known as grape ivy or Cissus rhombifolia, chestnut vine (Tetrastigma voinierianum), and Cissus amazonica are other houseplants of the Vitaceae family. Beautifully formed, heart-shaped, deep green leaves with silvery-white mottling and a dark reddish-purple underside are prized on this plant, which is also prized as a houseplant. The name comes from the foliage's resemblance to salsa on some rex begonias. It's not a begonia, though.

Care Guide

💧 Water 1-2 times a week
Suggested frequency: 1-2 times a week
☀️ Light Full shade

The Rex begonia vine tends to prefer spots with filtered or moderate sunlight, mirroring its natural growing conditions. Excessive light can cause leaf scorch, while too little light can slow its growth or make it sparse. Its light needs do not change significantly between different stages of growth.

Ideal: Full shade
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Rex begonia vine does best in conditions that resemble its native tropical habitat, preferring temperatures of 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 °C). During cooler seasons, keeping it in a warm room will help recreate its preferred conditions.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Rex begonia vine is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilizing improves foliage, stems, and branches, and helps produce flowers that are larger, more vibrant, and longer-lasting. It assists in moving nutrients from the roots to the blooms and boosts the plant’s health and resistance to disease.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Pruning Cissus discolor doesn't need to be extensive. Use sterile pruning shears or scissors to regularly remove any dry, damaged, or dead leaves. Using unsterilized scissors could potentially infect your plant. Additionally, you can prune unruly, lanky, or exceptionally long vines to assist keep the desired shape. But please, don't go overboard.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Cats, dogs, and other pets are not toxic or poisoned by Cissus discolor. It is not poisonous or detrimental to humans, making it a great option for people who have children or pets. The Rex Begonia, which bears its name and is a member of the Begoniaceae family, is poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses because it contains soluble calcium oxalates.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Vine
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Cissus
Family
Vitaceae
Hardiness Zone
11-12
Mature Height
2.44 m to 3.05 m
Mature Spread
30 cm to 34 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Silver, White, Red, Variegated, Purple
Leaf Type
Evergreen, Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Green
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
Native Area
South-eastern Asia

Tags (7)

Common Names (4)

en Climbing-begonia
en Trailing-begonia
en Rex-begonia-vine
en Rex begonia vine