Overview
Cissus schmitzii Dewit is a climbing plant species that belongs to the grape family Vitaceae. It is a unique and rare plant that is prized by gardeners for its climbing habit that can adorn fences, pillars, trellises, and walls. With its beautiful foliage, Cissus schmitzii can also be grown as an indoor plant to decorate homes and offices.
Origin
Cissus schmitzii is native to the tropical forests of Cameroon and Nigeria in West Africa. It grows in areas with moderate rainfall, and it flourishes in warm and humid conditions. The plant is sometimes referred to as the West African Grapevine because of its origin.
Appearance
Cissus schmitzii is an evergreen climber that can grow up to 12 meters long when supported. It has a woody stem that produces spiral tendrils that help it to climb. The plant's leaves are ovate, glossy, and dark green, with slight purple tints on the margins. The leaves have wavy edges and are deeply incised, which gives them a lobed appearance. The flowers of Cissus schmitzii are small and greenish-yellow and grow in clusters.
Common Names
Cissus schmitzii is commonly known as West African Grapevine, Devil's Back Bone, and Veldt Grape. Its name Devil's BackBone comes from the plant's twisted stem which appears like a spine, while its name Veldt Grape is from the plant’s resemblance to a grapevine.
Uses
Cissus schmitzii has several uses. The plant is used in traditional medicine in Cameroon and Nigeria to treat various health issues such as stomach aches, diarrhea, coughs, and many more. The leaves are crushed and made into a poultice for external use. Cissus schmitzii is also used as an ornamental plant to decorate homes, offices, and gardens. Its climbing habit and beautiful foliage make it an attractive plant for landscaping as it can be trained to grow against walls, trellises, and pillars.
Light Requirements
Cissus schmitzii Dewit prefers bright, indirect light and may tolerate some direct sunlight, but not for extended periods. Too little light can lead to poor growth or stretched stems.
Temperature Requirements
For optimal growth, the temperature should be kept between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Cissus schmitzii Dewit is not frost hardy and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. A soil mixture containing peat moss, perlite, and sand has proven successful for Cissus schmitzii Dewit. The plant may also benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
Cultivation Methods:
Cissus schmitzii Dewit is a tropical plant that needs to be grown in a warm climate with high humidity. It can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers bright filtered light. The plant prefers fertile, well-draining soil and requires adequate space for its roots to grow. It's important to note that it is a climbing vine, so a trellis, stake, or moss pole support is necessary for optimal growth.
Watering Needs:
Cissus schmitzii Dewit enjoys regular watering during the growing season but cannot tolerate sitting in water. It's essential to ensure the soil is evenly moist and not dry or waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot. When watering, it's best to water the base of the plant, avoiding foliage. This prevents the leaves from becoming waterlogged and reduces the likelihood of fungal infections.
Fertilization:
Cissus schmitzii Dewit benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. It's important to use a balanced fertilizer to provide all the necessary nutrients. It's best to fertilize the plant every two weeks with a half-strength solution. In winter, reduce fertilization to once a month to prevent overfeeding, which can result in stunted growth or poor flowering.
Pruning:
Cissus schmitzii Dewit benefits from regular pruning to encourage healthy growth and maintain shape. To maintain its shape, it's best to prune the plant in spring before the onset of new growth. Cut off any dead or diseased stems and trim back the remaining stems to the desired shape. Additionally, pruning will encourage the plant to produce new stems, promoting bushier growth. It's best to avoid pruning in winter when the plant is dormant.
Propagation Methods for Cissus schmitzii Dewit
Cissus schmitzii Dewit is a rare plant species that is well known for its medicinal purposes, especially in treating respiratory infections. Propagation of this plant is mostly done through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Cissus schmitzii Dewit through seeds is the most common and straightforward method. The plant produces seeds that are ready for harvesting when their color turns brown. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried in a well-ventilated area. Sowing the seeds in a sterile seed starting mix that is moist allows the seeds to germinate quickly. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks, and the seedlings should be kept in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight.
Propagation through Cuttings
The use of cuttings is another popular propagation method for Cissus schmitzii Dewit. A cutting measuring about 15cm is obtained from the parent plant and treated with rooting hormones. The cutting is then inserted into a well-moistened potting mix, and the rooting process usually takes around two months. The cutting should be kept in a warm, shaded spot with humidity maintained at around 70%.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is another method used in the propagation of Cissus schmitzii Dewit. It involves connecting a cutting from a desirable plant (scion) with the clone of another (rootstock). The two parts are united to create one plant, which has beneficial attributes such as disease resistance. Grafting generally has a higher success rate than other propagation methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Cissus schmitzii Dewit
Cissus schmitzii Dewit, commonly known as the velvet leaf grape or the mottled grape ivy, is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that is not typically affected by pests or diseases. However, like any other plant, they are still susceptible to some pest and disease problems.
Common Diseases
One of the main issues associated with Cissus schmitzii is infection by fungal diseases. These diseases can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, high humidity levels, and lack of air circulation around the plant.
One common fungal disease that can affect Cissus schmitzii is powdery mildew. It appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the plant's leaves, and it can cause them to become distorted, yellow, or brown. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid getting water on the plant's foliage and leaves and ensure the plant has enough space to ensure proper air circulation. Also, prune where necessary.
Common Pests
Cissus schmitzii may also be susceptible to some pest problems, including spider mites and scale insects. These pests usually infest the plant during the winter months, when the plant is kept in a warm and dry environment.
Spider mites can be identified as tiny, red or yellow specks on the plant's underside. They can cause the plant's foliage and leaves to turn yellow, and eventually, the plant will start wilting and shedding leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the plant.
Scale insects are slow-moving pests that usually attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stems. They suck the sap out of the plant, leaving behind a sticky residue that can attract ants and other pests. To manage scale insects, use a cotton swab and dab it in alcohol, then rub it on the scale to get rid of them.
Conclusion
Overall, Cissus schmitzii is an easy-to-grow plant with few pest and disease issues. However, it's still important to keep a watchful eye and to take appropriate measures as soon as signs of infestation occur. With proper care and maintenance, Cissus schmitzii can thrive for years to come.
