Parthenocissus

Family. Vitaceae.

Origin. China, Japan.

Description. Parthenocissus is a small genus of only 10 species of deciduous, perennial, fast-growing vines. The shoots of these plants can reach a length of 20 m. The leaves are dark green, palmately dissected, in the fall they acquire bright shades of red and fall off. The liana clings to the pura with sticky tendrils and rises to a considerable height. In the summer months, branched inflorescences are formed - brushes with small greenish flowers, which are often completely hidden by foliage. After flowering, characteristic grape berries are formed, which acquire a blue-black color when ripe.

Height. When grown indoors, the height of the plants will be determined by the height of the support provided. Shoots reach 15 m in length.

Care at home

Containment temperature

In spring and summer – normal room temperature. The plant overwinters in cool conditions; do not expose parthenocissus to temperatures below 10 ° C. 

Reproduction

Propagated in the spring by apical cuttings about 5 cm long, which take root in the soil at a temperature of 15 - 20 ° C. Seeds are sown in the fall.

Diseases and pests 

Powdery mildew due to insufficient air movement. Leaf spotting. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Pests may include mealybugs and red spider mites, aphids and scale insects.

Lighting

A slightly shaded place without direct sunlight. Fruits best in good light, but can also grow in partial shade. 

How to care

Parthenocissus is easy to grow. The liana sheds its leaves in winter and grows new ones in spring. In summer, it is recommended to take the pot outside. For vertical gardening, long stems will need a support that they will quickly entwine. Flowers appear on new shoots, so pruning at the end of winter (optional) helps control the size of the bush and maintain the desired shape.

Soil

Representatives of the genus grow in well-drained soil rich in humus and take root in most soils, including sandy and rocky ones.

Feeding

Feed the indoor flower 2 times a month during the period of active growth; in winter, feeding is excluded; it loves organic feeding. 

Purpose

Excellent for growing in hanging baskets. If you provide the plant with support, it will create a spectacular living wall for you. Parthenocissus can be used for landscaping in poorly lit areas.

Flowering time

June July.

Air humidity

It is necessary to spray the leaves. 

Soil moisture

During the growth period, watering should be abundant and regular. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. In autumn, reduce the frequency of watering, but the soil should not dry out completely.

Transfer

Every year in the spring. For large tub plants, a layer of soil approximately 5-7 cm thick is replaced annually with fresh soil in the spring. 

Note

In indoor conditions, life expectancy ranges from 5 to 10 years.