Cissus Rhombifolia (Grape Ivy, Oak Ivy) are fast-growing ivy originally found in the tropics. Because they are more tender than Hedera Ivy, Cissus make excellent houseplants, similar to Pothos. Your customers may like Cissus because the foliage has a shiny, florist quality. It looks great in hanging baskets, combo baskets, and stand-alone pots, but it could even fit well in some cut flower arrangements. Cissus are not hard to take care of because they are tolerant of low water and low light exposure and can thrive from 68-82 F.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Cissus, we recommend using a well-drained soil with a balanced fertilizer and a constant feed program of 200 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 5.5 - 6.5. A pH higher than 6.5 will show iron deficiency. Optimal EC using 2:1 Extraction Method: 0.6 to 0.9 Avoid overwatering.
Pinching
We recommend that you first pinch Tropical Oak Leaf Ivy 5-10 days after transplanting to your final container.
Spacing
Cissus should be spaced adequately to allow airflow and light penetration between the foliage. Usually 2’ centers on baskets will be enough.
Height Control
Apply PGRs early to avoid initial plant stretch and keep a compact habit. An application or two of 2,500 PPM B-Nine (or 10-20 PPM Sumagic) is beneficial. (Note: B-Nine and Florel can delay flowering.)
Pests
Aphids are the primary pests attracted to Cissus.
Disease
Tropical Oak Leaf Ivy are not prone to many diseases, but watch for botrytis while the days are short. This grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.
Planting Tropical Oak Leaf Ivy Liners
- We recommend planting 4 starter plants per 10 inch basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4” pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot.
- Pinch Tropical Oak Leaf Ivy 5-10 days after transplanting to your final container. Additional pinches every couple of weeks may be required to shape your final pot.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Cissus Tropical Oak Leaf Ivy Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 6 Weeks |
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| 10 Inch crop time | 8 Weeks |
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| Color | Green Foliage |
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| Habit | Cascading |
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| Height | 12 Inches |
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| Light | Shade |
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| Minimum Temp | 60 |
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| Perennial Zone | 9-11 |
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| Water Needs | Moderate |
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