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Oak Leaf Ivy Cissus alata

Previously known as:

  • Cissus alata and Rhoicissus rhombifolia
  • Cissus rhombifolia
Phonetic Spelling
SIS-us a-LAY-tuh
Description

Grape Ivy is a subtropical, evergreen, perennial vine that climbs by tendrils. Grape Ivy is a native of the tropical Americas and, when grown outdoors, can reach a length of 10 feet with a spread of 3 to 6 feet. It is a favorite indoor houseplant that does well in a hanging basket or a trellis. Allow this plant to dry out between each watering and fertilize 4 times a year during the growing season. Dark green leaves mean there's an adequate fertilizer level. It needs average to cool indoor temperatures and bright, indirect light.

When grown as a houseplant, site it in a well-drained, peaty potting mixture in bright, but indirect, light. However, Grape Ivy will tolerate a variety of lighting conditions. Apply consistent moisture from spring to fall, but reduce watering in winter. Do not allow indoor temperatures below 50 degrees F.  You can prune the plant to shape at any time. The genus name comes from the Greek word kissos meaning ivy; the species name means winged.

Quick ID Hints:

  • Opposite leaf is a forked tendril or is missing.
  • Leaves are aternately compound.
  • Leaflets are rhombic-shaped, toothed, and shiny.

The forked tendril opposite of the 3-parted leaf is key identifier for this vine. It is valued for its shiny, dark-green leaves and tolerance of poor growth conditions. It is typically used in hanging baskets, trellised, or as interiorscape ground cover. Grape Ivy is tolerant of low relative humidity, heavy shade, and prefers moist soil.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: 

Susceptible to leafspots, mildews, mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. The leaves may fall if the plant is too wet or too dry. Subject to root rot/pests.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Ellen Danica'
    Leaflets are deeply lobed with a bushy habit.
  • 'Mandianna'
'Ellen Danica', 'Mandianna'
Tags:
#houseplant#showy leaves#interiorscape#hanging baskets#spreading#groundcover#fantz#vine#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#trellis
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Ellen Danica'
    Leaflets are deeply lobed with a bushy habit.
  • 'Mandianna'
'Ellen Danica', 'Mandianna'
Tags:
#houseplant#showy leaves#interiorscape#hanging baskets#spreading#groundcover#fantz#vine#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#trellis
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cissus
    Species:
    alata
    Family:
    Vitaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico to Bolivia and Trinidad
    Climbing Method:
    Tendrils
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Vine
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Climbing
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Tendrils
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    A dry berry, purple-black, non-ornamental and rare indoors.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Description:
    insignificant (3-10) greenish-white, small, seldom seen in cultivation, a compound cyme, axillary.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Other/more complex
    Leaf Shape:
    Cuneate
    Ovate
    Rhomboidal
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    This plant has leathery, glossy, green, and ovate leaves in a trifoliate pattern that grows up to 8 inches long with toothed margins towards the tips. Silky brown hairs on the undersides. Opposite with one leaf missing or a forked tendril, alternately compound; segments rhombic-ovate, acute, cuneate, remotely sharply dentate, shiny dark green above, red pubescent on veins beneath; petioles rusty pubescent.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Stems yellow with reddish hairs when young.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting