Photo: Sunčana BradleyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Grape Ivy Plant Care
Cissus rhomboidea E.Mey.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is known for its striking diamond-shaped leaves, which set it apart from other species. Originating from North America, Cissus rhomboidea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its interesting foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of environments.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Grape Ivy?
Water Grape Ivy 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 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Grape Ivy Native To?
What Is the Grape Ivy?
Grape Ivy (Cissus rhomboidea) belongs to the Vitaceae family within the Cissus genus. Grape Ivy is native to the eastern forests of southern Africa.
Grape Ivy displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Grape Ivy produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Grape Ivy?
Cissus rhomboidea 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 Grape Ivy Need?
Grape Ivy thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Grape Ivy in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Grape Ivy Prefer?
Cissus rhomboidea grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Grape Ivy 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 Grape Ivy?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Grape Ivy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Grape Ivy?
Feed Grape Ivy 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 Grape Ivy?
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 Grape Ivy?
Grape Ivy 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 Grape Ivy Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Grape Ivy, 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 Grape Ivy?
Grape Ivy 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 Grape Ivy Need?
Grape Ivy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Grape Ivy is native to the eastern forests of southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Grape Ivy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Grape Ivy 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.
Grape Ivy 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 rhomboidea E.Mey., family Vitaceae (first published in Zwei Pflanzengeogr. Docum. (Drège) 178, nomen; Harv. & Sond. Fl. Cap. i. 252.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Grape Ivy, 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: Sunčana Bradley, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, 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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