Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Tetrastigma voinierianum or Chestnut vine

The genus Tetrastigma, family Vitaceae, includes 90 species of climbing plants native to tropical regions of Asia, Malaysia, and Australia. Some species are: Tetrastigma voinierianum, Tetrastigma serrulatum, Tetrastigma bracteolatum, Tetrastigma leucostaphylum.

Common names: Chestnut vine, Lizard plant, Giant Grape Ivy, Wild Grape. This species is native to Laos and Vietnam.

They are fast-growing woody climbing plants that reach 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in height indoors (they exceed 5 meters/16.4 feet outdoors). The large leaves are divided into 5 leaflets 15 cm (5.9") long and are dark green. Indoors they do not usually bloom but the flowers are not decorative.

They are used in pots as indoor and greenhouse plants; in frost-free climates they are used to cover walls and pergolas. They should be helped to climb with tutors if they are grown in pots. They are ideal for large pots combined with ferns, tradescanthias or brunfelsias.

The Tetrastigma voinierianum need a semi-shaded or well-lit exposition but without direct sun. They do not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The soil can be a normal garden soil or a commercial substrate for indoor plants (in pots).

Water frequently so that the substrate is always damp but never flooded.

Fertilize weekly during spring and the first half of summer with mineral fertilizer.

Prune lightly in late winter to control growth.

They are propagated in summer from cuttings in boxes under glass. It is important that the cuttings have at least one bud and one leaf.

Images of the climbing plant Tetrastigma voinierianum or Chestnut vine