Muehlenbeckia platyclada
🍃leaf (5)
🌸flower (5)
🍎fruit (5)
🌳bark (5)
🌿habit (5)
🌱other (1)

Muehlenbeckia platyclada

Ribbonbush · Centipede-plant · Tapewormplant

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
40
Observations
278

Description

Source: leafsnap

Homalocladium platycladum, or Muehlenbeckia platyclade, is an evergreen shrub native to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. This shrub has several common names including Ribbon Plant, Tapeworm Plant, and Centipede Plant. Given these names because of its appearance, this plant features almost leafless foliage. Instead, it has green segmented stems. In the autumn to winter months this plant blooms small white to light pink flowers and small red fruits. Although the fruits of this plant are edible, they do not have a very desirable taste.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 1 week

The tapeworm plant thrives in dry conditions with irregular rainfall and shows moderate drought tolerance. Water it every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between waterings. As an evergreen, the tapeworm plant benefits from consistent moisture but can withstand short dry spells without significant harm.

Suggested frequency: Every 1 week
☀️ Light Full sun

The tapeworm plant flourishes best when it receives ample sunlight, ensuring maximum growth. It can also survive in partially sunny conditions. As a species that naturally evolved in sunny habitats, too much light could damage the plant, while insufficient light might impede its growth.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

The tapeworm plant hails from regions with a tropical climate, which is marked by warmth and high humidity levels. Consequently, it has adapted to thrive under high heat and humidity conditions. The plant doesn't fare well with abrupt shifts in temperature and prefers a consistent thermal setting. It's crucial to maintain a steady indoor temperature to avoid any fluctuations. Generally, the plant cannot withstand chilly temperatures and needs a warmer environment for its growth. Its growth may halt, or it may even perish if the surrounding temperature goes excessively low.

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

Caring for a Tapeworm plant necessitates proper fertilization. Consistent feeding throughout the growth period provides the necessary energy to generate vibrant leaves and promote comprehensive development. Failure to fertilize can lead to sickly leaves, a loss in decorative charm, and inhibited, fragile growth susceptible to snapping.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

The tapeworm plant has thin, ribbon-like stems and needs pruning from early to late winter. To encourage bushiness and better air circulation, focus on trimming any leggy growth. Regular maintenance helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases, keeping the tapeworm plant vibrant and healthy.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

This plant is not considered to be toxic to humans or pets.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Muehlenbeckia
Family
Polygonaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
1.22 m to 2.44 m
Mature Spread
91 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Fall, Early winter
Native Area
New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

Tags (9)

Common Names (3)

en Ribbonbush
en Centipede-plant
en Tapewormplant