Grape Ivy / Cissus Rhombifolia (20 x seeds)

Binomial name: Cissus Rhomifolia

Family: Vitaceae

Characteristics: Cissus Rhombifolia is an easy care houseplant. Also known as Grape Ivy, the attractive oak shaped leaves and tendrils make for an attractive hanging plant. Its non-fussy demeanour with regard to light, watering and humidity make it versatile for many locations. Its deep green mature leaves combined with unfurling silvery new growth and downy stems add dimensions of texture to indoor gardens.

Seeds per packet: 20 approximately 

Description: Seed can be sown throughout the year indoors in a mini glasshouse.

Planting medium: Seed raising mix (preferably organic).

Optimum germination temperature: 24-27°C. Indoors.

1. Soak seeds to break dormancy and promote germination in pre-boiled water that has been cooled to the touch but is still warm for 24 hours. 
2. Create a mini glasshouse. Follow instructions here. 
3. Sow seeds 1mm deep into well draining good quality seed raising mix and gently press to ensure the seeds make good contact with the soil. Do not cover with seed raising mix as grape ivy needs light to germinate.
4. Keep soil moist until seedlings appear. Use a spray mist to moisten seeds so seeds are not disturbed. Do not over-water.
5. Put lid on container (or cover pot with plastic wrap/glass) to speed up germination, as it increases heat and conserves moisture.
6. Put mini glasshouse in indirect sun. Do not put in direct sun, as this will dry the planting medium. 
7. Put container on heat pad or near a heat source. Keep an eye on the soil and container. If too much moisture builds up, take the cover off for a bit to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
8. Expect germination in 2 weeks - 3 months. If not soaked they can take up to 6 months to germinate.
9. Once germination has begun, gently remove one corner of the plastic wrap to allow air circulation and allow seedlings to adapt to outside environment.
10. Gently move seedlings to individual containers when they have 2-4 true leaves. Keep in part shade. 
11. Ivy plants indoors do well in bright indirect light. The plant can tolerate low light settings but will need pinching back frequently as it stretches toward any light source. Grape Ivy prefers the temperature to be below 27°C and above 10°C. 
12. Grape ivy grows best when its soil dries out slightly between waterings. Only water when the soil is dry to the touch, then water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. If your pot is in a saucer, dump the collected water shortly after watering.
13. Grape ivy can be grown in hanging baskets, at the base of other houseplants and in pots of their own.