Photo: renjus boxCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Indian Ampelocissus Plant Care
Ampelocissus indica Planch.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ampelocissus indica, also known as the "Red Bell Vine," is a visually striking plant with vibrant red and green variegated leaves that cascade elegantly. Originating from tropical regions of Asia, this plant is beloved by enthusiasts for its unique foliage and trailing growth habit.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Indian Ampelocissus?
Water Indian Ampelocissus 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.
What Is the Indian Ampelocissus?
Indian Ampelocissus (Ampelocissus indica) belongs to the Vitaceae family within the Ampelocissus genus. Indian Ampelocissus is native to the India and Sri Lanka.
Indian Ampelocissus displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Indian Ampelocissus produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Indian Ampelocissus?
Ampelocissus indica 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 Indian Ampelocissus Need?
Indian Ampelocissus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Indian Ampelocissus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Indian Ampelocissus Prefer?
Ampelocissus indica grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Indian Ampelocissus 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 Indian Ampelocissus?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Indian Ampelocissus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Indian Ampelocissus?
Feed Indian Ampelocissus 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 Indian Ampelocissus?
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 Indian Ampelocissus?
Indian Ampelocissus can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cissus abyssinica plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Indian Ampelocissus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Indian Ampelocissus, 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 Indian Ampelocissus?
Indian Ampelocissus 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 Indian Ampelocissus Need?
Indian Ampelocissus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Indian Ampelocissus is native to the India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Indian Ampelocissus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Indian Ampelocissus 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.
Indian Ampelocissus 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 indica Planch., family Vitaceae (first published in Vigne Amér. Vitic. Eur. 8: 375 (1884)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Indian Ampelocissus, 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.
- Photo: renjus box, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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