Origin
Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri is a species of plant in the grape family Vitaceae. It is native to Angola in southern Africa.
Common Names
The common names for this plant include "Spider Vine" and "Angolan Grape
Uses
Traditionally used by locals to treat stomach issues, such as indigestion and diarrhoea. The plant’s bark, leaves and discolor are used by locals to make claims or mashed to make a juice which is consumed. It is also used as a source of food for certain species of wildlife.
General Appearance
The plant grows as a lianas, meaning it is a woody climber plant that grows upwards by wrapping its stem around other trees for support. It has long tendrils that can grow up to 30 meters long, and sparsely toothed leaves that are 3-lobed with pointed tips. The flowers of this plant have a creamy yellow-green color and are small and inconspicuous. The fruits are small and reddish in color, with a fleshy pulp and many small seeds.
Light Requirements
The Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri prefers to grow under partial shade to full sunlight. It is best to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for extended periods as it can lead to sunburns. If you're growing the plant indoors, place it near a north-facing window or where it can receive indirect light from artificial light sources.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri is between 15°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate slightly high or low temperatures for short durations but is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. It is best to maintain a relatively stable temperature around the plant by placing it away from doors, windows, or heating and cooling vents.
Soil Requirements
The Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri prefers well-draining, aerated, and fertile soil. The soil should have a pH range of 6 to 7.5 and contain organic matter, sand, and perlite to improve drainage and aeration. Avoid using heavy clay soils or soils with poor drainage as it can lead to root rot. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season to maintain its health.
Cultivation Methods for Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri
Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri is a tropical plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The plant requires bright but indirect sunlight and should be kept in a warm environment to thrive. It can be grown in a pot and trained to climb trellises, walls, or other structures.
The potting mix should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. It is recommended to mix perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. In outdoor settings, the plant can be grown in well-draining soil enriched with compost and other organic fertilizers.
Watering Needs for Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri
The watering needs of Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri vary with the season and growing conditions. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and should be avoided.
In hot and dry weather, the plant should be watered frequently to prevent wilting. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization for Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri
Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal proportions are ideal.
The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. Fertilization frequency should be reduced during the winter months.
Pruning for Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri. Dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant should be removed as soon as possible.
The plant can be pruned to control its size and to encourage branching. The branches can be trained to climb around a structure or to take a specific shape. Pruning should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri
Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri is propagated mainly through vegetative means. The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings and layering.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
The stem cutting method involves taking a healthy stem cutting from a mother plant. The cutting should be about 6 inches long and have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist and well-draining soil mixture. Water the cutting and keep it in a shaded area. After 2-3 weeks, the cutting should start to root and produce new growth. At this point, you can transplant the new plant into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Layering
The layering method involves bending a healthy stem of the Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri towards the ground, creating a small trench. The stem should be partially buried in the soil. The area that is buried should have a small wound to encourage root growth. Stake the stem in place, water it, and wait for roots to develop. This process can take 2-3 months. Once roots have developed, cut the stem from the mother plant and gently remove it from the soil. Transplant the new plant into a larger container or directly into the garden.
With proper care and attention, these propagation methods will help produce healthy new plants from the Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonça var. gossweileri.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonca var. gossweileri can be susceptible to, including
- Leaf spot
- Mold and mildew
- Crown gall
These diseases can be managed by ensuring the plants are grown under appropriate conditions, including a well-draining soil and proper spacing to encourage good air circulation. Additionally, any dead or diseased plant material should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of disease. Fungicides can also be used to control mildew and mold pathogens.
Pest Management
Cissus gossweileri Exell & Mendonca var. gossweileri may also be susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plants.
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
Manual removal of pests can be an effective pest control method, especially in small infestations. The use of insecticidal soaps or oils can also be beneficial in controlling pest populations. It is also essential to minimize plant stress by supplying the plants with appropriate levels of water and nutrients.
