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Kangaroo Vine Cissus antarctica

Previously known as:

  • Cissus oblongata
Phonetic Spelling
SIS-us an-tarc-tic-ah
Description

Kangaroo vine is a perennial climbing vine or shrub, popular when grown as a houseplant, that performs well in bright to low light situations as well as in hanging baskets. Outdoors, it can reach a length of 13 to 20 feet. When grown indoors, it can spread to 7 to 10 feet, but can easily be pruned to maintain a desired shape. If grown outdoors, it will need to be supported by a trellis. Once established, plants should be kept in the same location as they dislike change. 

Plant in a potting mix and site in a pot with excellent drainage. Kangaroo vine requires little to moderate watering and you should allow the soil to dry between watering. Site the plant in diffused sunshine to partial shade and provide fertilizer. You can pinch back leaves for a more bushy habit. Leaves will turn brown and die if placed in drafty areas or near heating vents.

During the growing period, Kangaroo vine prefers temperatures of  61 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During its dormant phase, temperatures should not be higher than 59 degrees Fahrenheit during its dormant phase.

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:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#tendrils#year-round interest#hanging baskets#spreading#groundcover#vine#climber
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#tendrils#year-round interest#hanging baskets#spreading#groundcover#vine#climber
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cissus
    Species:
    antarctica
    Family:
    Vitaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    India, Eastern Australia
    Distribution:
    California
    Climbing Method:
    Tendrils
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Houseplant
    Vine
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Horizontal
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Appendage:
    Tendrils
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Blue
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    Small blue-black round berries form if the plant blooms.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small, insignificant, may not bloom indoors.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leathery, glossy, toothed, dark green leaves (up to 4 inches long) with toothed edges and short, reddish leaf stalks.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Smooth green stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants