Vine quadrangularis

cissus quadrangularis

Also known as: ["Vine quadrangularis","Hadjod","Bone-Set"]

Family: Vitaceae Genus: Cissus Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A succulent vine with quadrangular stems, known for its medicinal properties and use in traditional medicine.

Benefits & Perks

["medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Vitales
Family: Vitaceae
Genus: Cissus
Botanical Name: Cissus quadrangularis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or shaded outdoor area
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Medicinal Plant Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

bright indirect light to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in warm months for better light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; ensure proper drainage.

Soil

well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.

Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from sudden temperature drops.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid root burn; stop fertilizing in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings with nodes; can also propagate via division if the plant is mature.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting with nodes.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut stems just above a node or leaf junction.

Pruning Plan

Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, and remove leggy or damaged stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, or stunted growth in response to temperature stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or dehydration in excessively hot conditions.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging; use shade cloth if outdoors.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; flush periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Cissus quadrangularis may indicate nutrient deficiencies (e.g., nitrogen, iron), overwatering, root rot, or pest infestations, all of which disrupt normal physiological processes.

Wilting in Cissus quadrangularis often results from water stress, either due to insufficient watering causing dehydration or overwatering leading to root suffocation and rot, impairing water uptake.

Leaf spots on Cissus quadrangularis can be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to tissue necrosis, reduced photosynthetic capacity, and potential leaf drop if the infection is severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Cissus quadrangularis is commonly caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to fungal infections that decompose plant tissues and disrupt nutrient transport.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cissus quadrangularis is not considered toxic to cats under normal conditions. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While non-toxic, monitor pets if they consume large quantities of any plant material to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Cissus quadrangularis is not considered toxic to dogs under normal conditions. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While non-toxic, monitor pets if they consume large quantities of any plant material to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cissus quadrangularis is not considered toxic to humans under normal conditions. It has been used traditionally in various cultures for its potential health benefits.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While generally safe, consult a healthcare professional before using it medicinally, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the medicinal uses of Cissus quadrangularis?

A: It is traditionally used to treat bone fractures, osteoporosis, and joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Q: How should Cissus quadrangularis be propagated?

A: It can be propagated through stem cuttings or layering, ensuring the cuttings have at least one node.

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Cissus quadrangularis?

A: It thrives in well-drained soil, partial shade, and moderate watering, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

Quick Reference
Family: Vitaceae
Care: easy
Light: bright indirect light to parti
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","medicinal plant lovers"]
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