Cissus Lebrunii Dewit

General Description of Cissus lebrunii Dewit

Cissus lebrunii Dewit is a deciduous climbing plant that belongs to the grape family, Vitaceae. It is a native to tropical Africa, where it grows naturally in the forests, primarily in Cameroon. The plant has been introduced and cultivated in other parts of the world, including in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a fast-growing, woody vine that can reach up to 12 meters in length. The plant produces greenish-yellow flowers that are inconspicuous and small fruits that are edible.

Common Names of Cissus lebrunii Dewit

The plant is commonly known as the Bushman's Grape due to the small grapes that it produces. It is also referred to as the Bamboo Leaf Grape or the Cameroon Creeper. In Cameroon, the plant is known as 'hekking'.

Uses of Cissus lebrunii Dewit

The leaves and stems of Cissus lebrunii Dewit have a variety of medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. They are believed to possess antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also used as a remedy for stomach ailments, fever, and hypertension. The fruits of the plant are edible and are sometimes used to make jam. In some parts of Africa, the plant is used to prevent soil erosion due to its strong and extensive root system.

General Appearance of Cissus lebrunii Dewit

Cissus lebrunii Dewit is a deciduous vine that can reach up to 12 meters in length. The plant has a woody stem that is light brown in color and is covered in small, fine hairs. The leaves of the plant are alternate and are made up of three leaflets, which each measure up to 10 cm in length. The leaflets are elongated and taper at the ends, giving the leaves a bamboo-like appearance. The flowers of the plant are small and inconspicuous, while the fruits are small, round grapes that turn red when ripe.

Light Requirements

Cissus lebrunii Dewit prefers bright, indirect sunlight, although it can tolerate some direct sunlight as well. If the plant is exposed to excessive direct sunlight, the leaves can burn. On the other hand, if it does not receive enough light, the growth may slow down, and the leaves' color may become dull.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature for Cissus lebrunii Dewit is between 18°C to 26°C. The plant prefers warmer temperatures and can suffer if the temperature drops below 15°C. Temperatures above 30°C can also cause damage to the plant.

Soil Requirements

The soil type preferred by Cissus lebrunii Dewit is a well-draining, porous soil that is rich in nutrients. The pH range should be between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant thrives in soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which may lead to the death of the plant.

Cultivation

Cissus lebrunii Dewit is a tropical plant that thrives in warmer temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C. For its better growth and development, it needs a bright, indirect light source. Place the plant in a location where it can receive filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight may harm the leaves, causing them to scorch or wilt. Cissus lebrunii Dewit grows well in a humid environment with adequate air circulation.

For cultivation, a well-draining soil mixture is essential. A potting mixture that contains equal parts of peat, perlite, and sand is a perfect blend for the plant to grow. The pH level of the soil must be between 6.5-7.5, slightly alkaline.

Watering Needs

The watering needs of Cissus lebrunii Dewit are not too different from other tropical plants. Always keep the soil moist but not water-logged. Over-watering may lead to root rot, which eventually leads to the plant's death. It is recommended to water the plant twice a week but may vary depending on the environmental conditions of the plant's location.

Another watering method that promotes optimal growth is bottom watering. In this method, the pot should sit in a saucer filled with water. The soil will absorb water from the bottom, providing enough moisture to the roots.

Fertilization

Fertilization is an integral part of growing any plant. Cissus lebrunii Dewit is a fast-growing plant that requires regular feeding for maximum growth. Fertilizer with higher amounts of Nitrogen and Potassium should be used to support the plant's growth. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any fertilizer.

Fertilizer should be applied once a month, applying the fertilizer once during spring and once in the fall. Overfertilizing the plant can cause yellowing of the leaves, reducing the plant's aesthetic value.

Pruning

Cissus lebrunii Dewit requires pruning to remove any dead or discoloured leaves. This plant has a tendency to grow thick and leggy. To maintain the plant's bushy appearance, pruning is necessary. Prune occasionally and remove extra foliage to enhance the appearance of the plant. Additionally, pruning can control the size of the plant, making it more manageable.

When pruning Cissus lebrunii Dewit, ensure that you have sharp and sterilized pruning shears. Any damaged or broken branches should be removed. After pruning, always clean the tools with rubbing alcohol or bleach to prevent the spread of bacterial or fungal infections on the plant.

Propagation of Cissus lebrunii Dewit

Cissus lebrunii Dewit can be propagated through various methods such as stem cuttings, air layering, and seeds. However, stem cuttings and air layering are the most commonly used methods.

Propagation through Stem Cuttings

The stem cutting method involves taking a healthy stem cutting from the mother plant and allowing it to root in a suitable environment. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the active growing season (spring or summer). Follow the steps below to propagate through stem cuttings:

1. Select a healthy stem about 4-6 inches long with several nodes and leaves attached.
2. Cut the stem just below a node, and remove all leaves except for the top two to three leaves.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.
4. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, keeping it moist and placing it in a bright, indirect light location.
5. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to form roots.
6. Once the roots have formed, transplant the new plant into a larger container with fresh soil mix.

Propagation through Air Layering

Air layering is a more advanced method of propagation and can be used on mature plants. It involves growing new roots on the stem while still attached to the parent plant. Follow the steps below for propagating through air layering:

1. Choose a healthy stem and make a 1-2 inch wound on a part of the stem that is not too woody.
2. Wrap the wound with damp sphagnum moss and enclose it with plastic wrap to keep it moist.
3. Secure the moss and plastic wrap with plant ties or string.
4. Check the moss regularly, keeping it moist and avoiding direct sunlight.
5. After a few weeks, roots should appear on the stem below the wound.
6. Once roots have formed, cut the stem below the wound and plant it in fresh soil mix.

Disease and Pest Management for Cissus Lembrunii Dewit Plant

Cissus lebrunii Dewit is a beautiful ornamental plant that is quite hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some common plant diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:

Diseases

Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease affects many plants, including Cissus lebrunii Dewit. Powdery mildew causes a powdery white coating on the leaves of the plant. To manage this, you can prune out affected leaves and increase air circulation around the plant. You can also apply fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.

Leaf Spot Disease: This disease causes small brown spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by fungal infection and can be controlled using fungicides. In severe cases, you may need to prune out affected leaves and improve the overall health of the plant by providing ample water, fertilizer, and good air circulation.

Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking its sap and weakening it. They are difficult to see with the naked eye but can be controlled using neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or a strong blast of water to knock them off the plant. You can also increase humidity around the plant to discourage spider mite infestation.

Mealybugs: These pests are white and fuzzy and can cause yellowing of leaves by sucking sap from them. They can be controlled using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. You can also use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs from the plant.

Aphids: These pests can cause leaves to curl and stunt plant growth by sucking sap from the plant. You can control them using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. You can also attract natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, which feed on aphids and help control their population.

Prevention is always better than cure, so it's essential to keep your Cissus lebrunii Dewit plant healthy by providing the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients. Regularly inspect it for signs of pests and diseases, and take necessary steps to control them before they become too severe.