Cissus abyssinica Plant Care
Ampelocissus abyssinica Planch.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant green color. Originating from the forests of Ethiopia, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Its cascading vines add a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cissus abyssinica?
Water Cissus abyssinica every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cissus abyssinica Native To?
What Is the Cissus abyssinica?
Cissus abyssinica (Ampelocissus abyssinica) belongs to the Vitaceae family within the Ampelocissus genus. Cissus abyssinica is native to southeast Ethiopia. Cissus abyssinica is also known as Cissus cordifolia.
Cissus abyssinica displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Cissus abyssinica produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cissus abyssinica?
Ampelocissus abyssinica requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cissus abyssinica Need?
Cissus abyssinica thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cissus abyssinica in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cissus abyssinica Prefer?
Ampelocissus abyssinica grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Cissus abyssinica prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cissus abyssinica?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cissus abyssinica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cissus abyssinica?
Feed Cissus abyssinica every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cissus abyssinica?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cissus abyssinica?
Cissus abyssinica can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indian ampelocissus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cissus abyssinica Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cissus abyssinica, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cissus abyssinica?
Cissus abyssinica is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cissus abyssinica Need?
Cissus abyssinica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Cissus abyssinica is native to southeast Ethiopia. In cooler regions, grow Cissus abyssinica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Cissus abyssinica is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ampelocissus genus — compare its care with other Ampelocissus species on PlantoScan.
Ampelocissus is part of the Vitaceae plant family — browse all Vitaceae genera and species.
Cissus abyssinica thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ampelocissus Species
Other Ampelocissus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ampelocissus abyssinica Planch., family Vitaceae (first published in Vigne Amér. Vitic. Eur. 9: 24 (1885)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cissus abyssinica, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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