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Lizard Vine Tetrastigma voinierianum

Phonetic Spelling
tet-ruh-STIG-muh
Description

Previously knows as Vitis voinieriana in honor of M. Voinier, who was a French veterinary surgeon.   In 1910, it was added to the genus Tetrastigma by Francois Gagnepain. 

The Chestnut vine is grown as a common houseplant that does well in a hanging basket.  In its native setting, they are found growing in subtropical and tropical regions, primarily, rain-forests.  This vigorous vine, that will climb on any available object, does not provide edible grapes.  Its is often used to cover a wall. Pruning as needed throughout the season.  

A location that includes bright, indirect sunlight is ideal.  Direct sunlight is discouraged.  Under the proper growing conditions, this vine can grow in excess of 12" per month.  

Growing as a houseplant will rarely produce flowers. If flowers do appear indoors, they will tend to be small and scentless.  In addition, a house does not have the humidity that the plant requires to perform as its best.  If the humidity is too low, the leaves can droop and the plants appearance can suffer.  Temperatures below 50 degrees can also cause the foliage to blacken and die.  Yellowing leaves can indicate that the plant needs to be fertilized.  Increase frequency of fertilization in lieu of increasing the strength of your solution.  

The thick fuzzy green leaves are palmately compound.  Young stems are hairy.  It can be propagated using semi-ripe stem cuttings, ensuring to provide heat, humidity, and well drained soil.  When repotting, use a potting soil that provides good drainage, and mix with perlite, small gravel or sand to provide aeration and good drainage.

As fall approaches, decrease watering and stop fertilizing.  Pruning can be accomplished during the dormant season, fall through mid-February,  Avoid pruning once the plant begins actively growing, as this can cause damage to the plant.  If necessary, repotting should also be completed during the dormant months.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Watch for red spider mite, mealy bugs, scale insects, aphids and white fly.  Allow the soil to become nearly dry before watering, then water thoroughly.  Insure proper drainage after watering to prevent root rot.

Growing in Hawaii, which provide optimum conditions for this plant will cause it to grow in an invasive manner.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#heat tolerant#houseplant#bright light#interiorscape#creeping#climbing vines#trailing#groundcover#humidity tolerant#vine#tropical#container plant#climber#long lived
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#heat tolerant#houseplant#bright light#interiorscape#creeping#climbing vines#trailing#groundcover#humidity tolerant#vine#tropical#container plant#climber#long lived
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Tetrastigma
    Species:
    voinierianum
    Family:
    Vitaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Vietnam
    Wildlife Value:
    Ants eat the sap from this plant.
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Climbing Method:
    Tendrils
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Vine
    Habit/Form:
    Climbing
    Creeping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Small, black berries are produced after the plant flowers.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The small green-white flowers are not of primary importance.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The thick, dark green, 5-lobed, leaflets are 6-10" long with rusty brown, hairy underside. The underside also has beads of sap that is eaten by ants. They look like small, clear bumps.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Bark Description:
    The bark will darken to a dark brown as the plant ages.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    New stems are red and become a reddish/brown as they age.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Rock Wall
    Slope/Bank
    Vertical Spaces