Tetrastigma

Family. Vitaceae.

Origin. Australia, Asia.

Description. Tetrastigma is a large evergreen or deciduous vine with thin stems. With age, the stems of the plant become woody and covered with brown bark. The leaves are located on long, thin petioles, complex - consist of 3 - 5 glossy, green, oblong-oval segments, each 10 - 20 cm long. Young leaves have abundant white pubescence along the edge of the leaf blade. The veins are clearly defined, the edges of the leaves have low teeth. Tetrastigma clings to support with long antennae. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, collected in small inflorescences - umbrellas.

Height. Stems reach 10 - 15 m in length in their natural habitat. In indoor conditions they grow up to 8 m, and in one season they can add up to 2 m.

Care at home

Propagation of indoor plants 

Propagated in the spring by apical cuttings about 10 - 15 cm long, which take root in the soil at a temperature of 15 - 20 ° C under a cover of glass or transparent plastic. 

Diseases and pests 

With a sharp change in temperature, the leaves turn black. Plants can shed leaves when the air humidity is low or the soil is overly dry.

Of the harmful insects, mealybugs, aphids and red spider mites, whiteflies, and nematodes can pose a certain danger.

Soil for growing in a pot 

Grows in well-drained soil and adapts well to most soils, including sandy or rocky ones.

How to care

In summer it is recommended to take the plant out into the air. Long stems will need support to grow. Periodically carry out sanitary pruning, removing diseased and damaged shoots. Do not place the tetrastigma near heat sources. Wipe large leaves with a damp sponge from time to time to remove dust. 

Flowering time 

The liana rarely blooms indoors; it is grown for its beautiful leaves.

Transplantation 

Young plants are replanted every year in the spring, sometimes even 2 replantations are required during the year. For large specimens, instead of replanting, replace the soil surface with a fresh mixture.

Temperature conditions

Can be kept at room temperature throughout the year. In winter, the room temperature should not fall below 10° C. Tetrastigma does not like sudden changes in temperature - accustom it to changes gradually. 

Lighting

Light or slightly shaded place without direct sunlight. Leaves do not like direct sunlight. Develops well under artificial lighting with fluorescent lamps.

Feeding

Feed 2 times a month during the period of active growth with fertilizers with a high nitrogen content; in winter, feeding can be done monthly; it loves organic matter.

Purpose

A large, attractive vine for growing in large spaces. Some species are grown as hanging plants - in hanging baskets.

Air humidity

It is necessary to spray the leaves, especially with the onset of the heating season, when the indoor humidity is too low. 

Irrigation of tetrastigma

Watering in summer is plentiful. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Plants that overwinter in a cool place are rarely watered. 

Note

In room conditions, the lifespan is from 5 to 10 years. With age, the bushes become too bulky. Tetrastigma releases special substances into the air - phytoncides, which help fight bacteria and viruses.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponic culture.

Varieties:

Tetrastigma voinierianum

A fast-growing evergreen vine with woody stems up to 9 m long. The leaves are dark green, glossy, complex - consist of 3 - 5 broadly lanceolate segments. The leaf blades have large teeth along the edges and are often lighter in color on the lower surface. Young shoots and the lower surface of the leaves are covered with small, delicate pubescence. Small greenish flowers appear in early summer in a branched inflorescence called a raceme. Flowering is not of particular interest. 

This variety is most often found in indoor culture. 

Tetrastigma lanceolarium

A large evergreen vine with flexible stems reaching 18 m in length. With age, the stems become woody and covered with brown bark. The leaves are long-stalked and compound - consisting of 3-5 oblong-lanceolate segments. Young leaves have a reddish-bronze tint. The segments are dark green, glossy, with faint denticles along the edge. The flowers are axillary, yellowish-green, inconspicuous, collected in small axillary racemes. Over time, the flowers turn into small round berries.