Red-vein Cissus Plant Care
Cissus bicolor Domin
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking heart-shaped leaves and vibrant green and white variegation, this plant from Southeast Asia makes a stunning addition to any collection. Plant collectors are drawn to Cissus bicolor for its unique foliage, which adds a pop of color and visual interest to any indoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Red-vein Cissus?
Water Red-vein Cissus every 7–14 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 month during the growing season.
Where Is the Red-vein Cissus Native To?
What Is the Red-vein Cissus?
Red-vein Cissus (Cissus bicolor) belongs to the Vitaceae family within the Cissus genus. Red-vein Cissus is native to New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and northern Queensland.
Red-vein Cissus displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Red-vein Cissus produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red-vein Cissus?
Cissus bicolor 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 Red-vein Cissus Need?
Red-vein Cissus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red-vein Cissus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red-vein Cissus Prefer?
Cissus bicolor grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Red-vein Cissus 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 Red-vein Cissus?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Red-vein Cissus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red-vein Cissus?
Feed Red-vein Cissus 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 Red-vein Cissus?
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 Red-vein Cissus?
Red-vein Cissus can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kangaroo vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red-vein Cissus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red-vein Cissus, 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 Red-vein Cissus?
Red-vein Cissus 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 Red-vein Cissus Need?
Red-vein Cissus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Red-vein Cissus is native to New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and northern Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Red-vein Cissus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Red-vein Cissus 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.
Red-vein Cissus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Cissus Species
Other Cissus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cissus bicolor Domin, family Vitaceae (first published in Biblioth. Bot. 22(89): 367 (1927)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red-vein Cissus, 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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