Arabian Ivy Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Cissus rotundifolia

Grape Family

Woody Vine

This unusual species is a native of both the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. It may not look like it, but it's also a close relative of the familiar grape ivy. Arabian ivy makes an excellent hanging plant: its thick, heart shaped leaves give it a particularly sturdy look. As the plant grows, it sends out long trailing stems that bear vigorous tendrils.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: At least some direct sunlight is best. If possible, place your plant in a southern or western window.

WATERING: Do not water your plant until its soil surface is completely dry for several days. At that point, water the plant thoroughly. A little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.  

FEEDING: Do not feed your Arabian ivy if it is dormant (i.e., not actively growing). When it is growing, apply a high-nitrogen (high first number) houseplant fertilizer at one-quarter the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Under certain conditions, your Arabian ivy may develop a condition called edema.

Tiny droplets of sap form on the leaf undersides and eventually turn dark brown or black. This is an indication that the plant is either being watered too much or is being subjected to cool, damp air. The presence of edema does not mean that your plant has insect or mite pests, nor does it mean that your plant has a serious disease.