Photo: BenCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Wild grape Plant Care
Cyphostemma mappia (Lam.) Galet
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to South Africa, this plant is easily recognized by its thick, swollen trunk that stores water for dry periods. The unique feature of its leaves being clustered at the top of the trunk makes it a sought-after addition to rare plant collections.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Wild grape?
Water Wild grape every 10–14 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Wild grape Native To?
What Is the Wild grape?
Wild grape (Cyphostemma mappia) belongs to the Vitaceae family within the Cyphostemma genus. Wild grape is native to Mauritius. Wild grape is also known as Tree grape, Namibian tree grape.
Wild grape displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wild grape produces small clusters of greenish-white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wild grape?
Cyphostemma mappia requires watering every 10–14 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 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wild grape Need?
Wild grape thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wild grape in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wild grape Prefer?
Cyphostemma mappia grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Wild grape prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wild grape?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Wild grape to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wild grape?
Feed Wild grape every 6 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 6 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 Wild grape?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Wild grape?
Wild grape can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bottle tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wild grape Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wild grape, 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 Wild grape?
Wild grape is susceptible to mealybugs, 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 Wild grape Need?
Wild grape grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Wild grape is native to Mauritius. In cooler regions, grow Wild grape as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Wild grape 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 Cyphostemma genus — compare its care with other Cyphostemma species on PlantoScan.
Cyphostemma is part of the Vitaceae plant family — browse all Vitaceae genera and species.
Wild grape 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: Cyphostemma mappia (Lam.) Galet, family Vitaceae (first published in Rech. Meth. Identif. & Classif. Vitac. 2: 523 (1967)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wild grape, 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: Ben, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Wild grape 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