Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Cissus digitata Plant Care
Rhoicissus digitata Gilg & M.Brandt
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its large, heart-shaped leaves with deep lobes. Originating from South Africa, its unique foliage makes it a highly sought-after addition to any plant collection. Plant enthusiasts are drawn to its striking appearance and ability to thrive both indoors and outdoors.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cissus digitata?
Water Cissus digitata every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cissus digitata Native To?
What Is the Cissus digitata?
Cissus digitata (Rhoicissus digitata) belongs to the Vitaceae family within the Rhoicissus genus. Cissus digitata is native to southern Africa. Cissus digitata is also known as Rhoicissus capensis.
Cissus digitata displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 12 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Cissus digitata produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cissus digitata?
Rhoicissus digitata 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 Cissus digitata Need?
Cissus digitata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cissus digitata 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 digitata Prefer?
Rhoicissus digitata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Cissus digitata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cissus digitata?
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Cissus digitata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cissus digitata?
Feed Cissus digitata 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 digitata?
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 digitata?
Cissus digitata can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to evergreen grape plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cissus digitata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cissus digitata, 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 digitata?
Cissus digitata is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. 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 digitata Need?
Cissus digitata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Cissus digitata is native to southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cissus digitata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Cissus digitata 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 Rhoicissus genus — compare its care with other Rhoicissus species on PlantoScan.
Rhoicissus is part of the Vitaceae plant family — browse all Vitaceae genera and species.
Cissus digitata 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: Rhoicissus digitata Gilg & M.Brandt, family Vitaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 46: 439 (1911)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cissus digitata, 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 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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