Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Kangaroo Vine Plant Care
Cissus antarctica Vent.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its large, glossy, dark green leaves that resemble fiddleheads. Originating from Australia, the Cissus antarctica is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique vine-like growth habit and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Its striking foliage adds a touch of lush greenery to any indoor space, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kangaroo Vine?
Water Kangaroo Vine every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Kangaroo Vine Native To?
What Is the Kangaroo Vine?
Kangaroo Vine (Cissus antarctica) belongs to the Vitaceae family within the Cissus genus. Kangaroo Vine is native to and common on the east coast of Australia, often grown as a houseplant. Kangaroo Vine is also known as Water Vine.
Kangaroo Vine displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Kangaroo Vine produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Kangaroo Vine?
Cissus antarctica requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kangaroo Vine Need?
Kangaroo Vine thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Kangaroo Vine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kangaroo Vine Prefer?
Cissus antarctica grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Kangaroo Vine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kangaroo Vine?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Kangaroo Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kangaroo Vine?
Feed Kangaroo Vine every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Kangaroo Vine?
Repot every 1-2 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 Kangaroo Vine?
Kangaroo Vine can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to grape ivy plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kangaroo Vine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kangaroo Vine, 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 Kangaroo Vine?
Kangaroo Vine is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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 Kangaroo Vine Need?
Kangaroo Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Kangaroo Vine is native to and common on the east coast of Australia, often grown as a houseplant. In cooler regions, grow Kangaroo Vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Kangaroo Vine 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 Cissus genus — compare its care with other Cissus species on PlantoScan.
Cissus is part of the Vitaceae plant family — browse all Vitaceae genera and species.
Kangaroo Vine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cissus antarctica Vent., family Vitaceae (first published in Choix Pl. : t. 21 (1803)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kangaroo Vine, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Kangaroo Vine Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species