Family Name: Vitaceae
Common Name: Oak Leaf Ivy
Botanical name: Cissus rhombifolia
Oak Leaf Ivy is a speedily growing and gripping vines. This Oak Leaf Ivy is not completely evergreen. Oak Leaf Ivy is usually a subtropical annual shrub with tendrils for climbing. The shrub is popular in household decoration as it grows swiftly in pots or baskets. However, the plant is perfect for indoors, and it will create a tranquil environment in your house. As it grows into a waterfall of colorful foliage, this attractive leafy indoor plant can be draped or arranged on a greater surface area for the perfect visual impact. This low-maintenance houseplant thrives in moderate temperatures and humidity. There is no hard and fast rule to water the plant. However, the plant must be hydrated when its soil gets dried.
Light
Oak Leaf Ivy survives in the lighting that ranges from moderate to bright. It blooms at average household temperatures and moisture levels. Don't be afraid to take it outside in the summer if the temperature is over 50°F; it will thrive. When the temperature drops below 50°F in the fall, bring it inside. Learn where to put your plants for the best light!
Water
Oak Leaf Ivy thrives when the soil is allowed to dry out substantially between foliar feeding. Do water only when the soil seems dried out. And try to water the plant thoroughly so that the extra water can flow out the bottom of the pot. Oak Leaf Ivy loses its leaves due to over-watering or having moist soil.
Soil
All Cissus love loose, nutrient-rich potting soil. Use a soil medium that can retain moisture but also allows for draining excess water to avoid root rot. Most pre-mixed soils will suffice. Make sure that there is plenty of organic matter, like coco-coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves, and avoid soils that contain moisture retaining crystals. If your soil drains too quickly, we recommend re-potting your Oak Leaf Ivy into a compost-rich soil mixture, with less drainage materials. Learn how to create your own universal soil mixture for all of your indoor plants!
Temperature
The Oak Leaf Ivy grows at average room temperature, which aligns with its laid-back character. Temperatures between 68 and 82°F are ideal. Warmer temperatures above 82°F, may cause this naturally slow grower's development to stall even more. Because cold temperatures can harm the cissus plant, ensure the nightly temperatures are above 50°F if you bring it outside for the summer.
Humidity
Cissus rhomboflia is not that picky about the amount of water in the air and thrives in normal household humidity. The leaves may dry out and brown around the margins if the plant is kept in severely dry conditions. If this happens, move the plant to a more humid spot, or use a humidifier or a marble tray filled with water to enhance the humidity. Learn how to increase the humidity in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
The Oak Leaf Ivy does not need any fertilizer. However, nourishing it on a regular basis will encourage it to produce new growth more quickly. During the spring and summer, feed the plant once a month with a complete liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 the recommended strength or fish emulsion. Cissus should not be fertilized throughout the winter season.
Growth Rate
Oak Leaf Ivy is a fast-growing indoor plant whose vines can reach 8 inches if properly cared for.
Pet Friendly or Foe
Oak Leaf Ivy is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Friend!
Pro Tips
- Oak Leaf Ivy can be cut back or pruned to encourage new growth towards the top of the plant, resulting in a more robust and thick plant.
- If the plant experiences too much dryness or water deficiency, it may lose leaves. So try to check the soil properly and do water only when the soil is dried out.
- Powdery mildew is a danger for Oak Leaf Ivy. Water the soil and keep the leaves as dry as possible to minimize the odds of this happening.
- Allow this plant to dry out between watering and fertilize no more than four times over the growing season. The presence of dark green leaves suggests that the fertilizer dosage is sufficient. Indoor temperatures should be mild to cool, with plenty of bright, indirect light.
- Find out the do’s and don’ts for your new indoor plants!