Grape Ivy

Grape Ivy 'Ellen Danica' (Cissus rhombifolia 'Ellen Danica') is the indoor climber to choose when you want height rather than another plant sitting on the floor. It climbs to about 2.5m on a support or trails the same distance from a hanging pot, and the deeply lobed oak shaped leaves give it more character than a plain vine. It grows quickly, forgives inconsistent care, and holds its foliage right down the stem.

Why you'll love it

• It climbs on its own. Curling tendrils grip a trellis, moss pole or string without tying, so it covers a support with almost no effort from you.
• Fast growth indoors. Given warmth and bright indirect light it puts on real length in a season, which is unusual for an indoor plant.
• Leaves with shape. The lobed oak leaf outline reads as texture across a wall or shelf rather than a flat green mass.
• Trails or climbs equally well. The same plant works in a hanging basket, on a shelf edge or trained upward, so you can change your mind later.

Where it works best

Indoors on a support. This is its main use. A moss pole, trellis or run of wire beside a bright window gives it something to grip, and it covers the frame within a couple of seasons.

Hanging pots and shelves. Left to trail, the stems hang cleanly rather than going bare at the top, which suits a high shelf or a hanging basket in a well lit room.

Balconies and courtyards. In tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens it grows outdoors in a sheltered shaded spot, softening a courtyard wall or balcony screen.

Growing grape ivy in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors, or shade to dappled light outdoors. Direct sun scorches the leaves. Outdoor planting suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens only. It is frost tender, so in cool southern gardens keep it inside.

Soil. A good quality potting mix with extra perlite or bark for drainage. The pot must have a drainage hole, since this plant sulks in a saucer of standing water.

Water and feed. Water when the top few centimetres of mix dry out, roughly weekly in warm weather and fortnightly in winter. It appreciates humidity, so a bathroom or a grouped arrangement suits it. Feed a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly through spring and summer.

Pruning. Pinch the growing tips regularly to keep it branching, otherwise it runs long and thin. Cut back hard in early spring if it has gone leggy, and it will reshoot readily from the older stems.

What to expect when it arrives

Four sizes are grown: tube stock, 140mm in packs of ten, 200mm in packs of six and a single 300mm. Tubes are young rooted plants with a few stems, best if you are patient. The 200mm and 300mm plants are established and already trailing, so they look the part straight away.

Some leaf drop after transit is normal for a soft leaved climber and new growth follows within a few weeks. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Worth knowing: this is a member of the grape family and is not one to leave within reach of a pet that chews foliage.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Browse the indoor plant range
• Compare climbing plants
• Repotting an indoor plant properly

Common questions

Does it need a trellis?

Only if you want height. The tendrils will grip anything you give them, but the plant is just as happy trailing from a hanging pot with no support at all.

Why is mine dropping leaves?

Usually dry air, dry mix or a cold draught. Check the mix first, then move it away from an air conditioning vent and raise humidity around it.

How do I stop it going leggy?

Pinch the tips every few weeks through the growing season. That forces side shoots and keeps the plant full rather than a few long bare stems.