Overview
Cissus welwitschii (Baker) Planch. is a species of flowering plant from the vitaceae family. It is native to Angola and Namibia in southern Africa, but can also be found in other parts of Africa.
Common Names
Some of the common names of Cissus welwitschii include the Namibian grape, ivory grape, and welwitschia grape.
Description and Habitat
Cissus welwitschii is a woody climber plant that can grow up to 20 meters long. Its stem can be as thick as a human arm and has smooth, grayish-green bark. The leaves are large and alternate, with deeply lobed margins, and can reach up to 15 cm in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters and are small, greenish-white, and inconspicuous. The fruit is a berry that turns from green to black when ripe that is edible and known for the sour taste.
Cissus welwitschii thrives in rocky, dry areas, and can grow in both high and low elevations. It is a highly adaptable plant, able to withstand extreme temperatures and drought. It grows well in sandy soil and can tolerate minimal amounts of water.
Uses
Cissus welwitschii has various uses. The fruit of the plant is consumed both raw and cooked, and the sour taste is valued in local cuisine. Additionally, the plant's leaves and fruits are used traditionally for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of coughs, colds, and diarrhea. Its stems are also utilized as a source of fuel and for basket weaving.
Light Requirements
Cissus welwitschii is a plant that prefers bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant. It is best to provide filtered light or partial shade. This plant can thrive in low light conditions, but it will not grow as quickly as it would with brighter light.
Temperature Requirements
Cissus welwitschii prefers warm temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but not below 50°F (10°C). It is important to avoid placing this plant in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations as it can cause stress to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cissus welwitschii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0-7.5. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is an ideal soil mix for this plant. It is important to avoid soil that is too heavy or clay-like as it can cause waterlogging, which can damage the roots.
Cultivation Methods
Cissus welwitschii is a vine plant that requires a good amount of natural light to thrive. Therefore, it should be planted in a location that receives partial to full sunlight.
The plant does well in soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. It is recommended that you plant Cissus welwitschii in a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Additionally, you can grow this plant using stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, and you must ensure that the soil is kept moist to boost the growth of the plant.
Watering Needs
Cissus welwitschii should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to die.
The frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter season as the plant is dormant during this time.
Fertilization
Cissus welwitschii should be fertilized periodically. You can use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer to feed the plant. The fertilizer should be applied at least once a month during the growing season.
It is recommended to reduce the frequency of fertilization during the winter season when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is not a necessary requirement for Cissus welwitschii. However, you can pinch out the tips of new growth to encourage bushy growth. You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape.
Remove any damaged or wilted leaves and stems to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
Propagation of Cissus welwitschii (Baker) Planch.
Cissus welwitschii (Baker) Planch. can be propagated through different methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, or layering.
Seed Propagation
The propagation through seed is more time-consuming compared to the other methods, but it is an effective way to get new plants. The seeds should be extracted from ripe fruits and thoroughly cleaned.
After cleaning the seeds, they should be sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the container should be placed in indirect light at a temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Traditionally, the seeds are sown in spring.
The seeds will take about three weeks to germinate, and the seedlings should be gradually acclimated to brighter light and less humidity. When the seedlings have developed enough leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers with potting soil.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are considered the easiest and efficient way to propagate Cissus welwitschii (Baker) Planch. The cuttings can be taken all year round but are commonly taken in spring or summer.
The cuttings should be taken from the healthy and mature plant and should be about 10 to 15 cm long. Cuttings should be taken just below a node and treated with rooting hormone to encourage faster root development.
After applying the rooting hormone, the cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist but not soggy. Propagation is successful when new roots have formed and new leaves begin to appear.
Layering
Cissus welwitschii (Baker) Planch. can also be propagated by layering. In this method, the stem of the plant is bent and buried in the soil while still attached to the parent plant.
To start, a stem should be chosen that is flexible enough to bend but firm enough to maintain contact with the soil. The stem is buried in the soil after a small nick or wound has been made to encourage the development of roots. The new roots will form while the stem remains attached to the mother plant. After some time, the new rooted stem can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted into a new container.
Propagation through layering is a slow method, but it is reliable and has higher success rates than other propagation methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Cissus welwitschii (Baker) Planch.
Cissus welwitschii (Baker) Planch., also known as the Red Rib Bush, is a tropical plant known for its striking foliage and sturdy stems. While it is generally a hardy plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common ones:
Diseases
Root Rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot in Cissus welwitschii. The most common symptom of root rot is yellowing leaves, which eventually wither and die. To prevent root rot, ensure the plant is not sitting in water and that the soil is well-draining. If root rot has already set in, remove the affected areas of the plant and repot it in fresh soil.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. It typically occurs in humid conditions or when plants are overcrowded. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation and remove any infected leaves. Additionally, you can apply a fungicidal spray to the plant’s leaves.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal or bacterial disease that causes circular brown or black spots on the leaves. Leaf spot typically occurs in warm, wet conditions. Remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot from spreading. You can also apply a fungicidal spray to the plant.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from plant foliage. The most common symptom of spider mites is yellowing leaves with fine webbing on the undersides. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil, such as neem oil. You can also introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to the plant to control spider mite populations.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cottony bugs that feed on plant sap. They are often found in the nooks and crannies of plants. To manage mealybugs, you can apply insecticidal soap or oil, wipe the bugs off the plant with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol, or introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control mealybug populations.
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap. They can be green, yellow, brown, or black in color. They typically cluster on new growth or undersides of leaves. To manage aphids, you can apply insecticidal soap or oil, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the aphids, or introduce ladybugs or lacewings to feed on aphids.
