Alamo vine

merremia dissecta

Also known as: ["Alamo vine","Net-veined morning glory"]

Family: Convolvulaceae Genus: Merremia Category: Flowers

Overview

A fast-growing vine with lobed, dissected leaves and small, white, trumpet-shaped flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Merremia
Botanical Name: Merremia dissecta

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny area
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
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 midday sun; 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

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust based on season and growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter

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

Use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm conditions.

Avoid drafts; use a thermometer to monitor; adjust care based on seasonal changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce frequency in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Maintain moisture and warmth.

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

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

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

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

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

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead or diseased parts.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

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

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain completely.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky components.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf drop (heat stress), stunted growth.

Cold Stress

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

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

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

Yellow leaves in Merremia dissecta may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Merremia dissecta can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to impaired nutrient uptake and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Merremia dissecta may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Merremia dissecta due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Merremia dissecta. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Merremia dissecta can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Merremia dissecta contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in humans. The plant's effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wash hands after handling the plant to prevent skin irritation.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Merremia dissecta invasive?

A: It can be aggressive in favorable conditions but is not typically considered highly invasive.

Q: Does Alamo vine require full sun?

A: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Q: How do I propagate Merremia dissecta?

A: It can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.

Quick Reference
Family: Convolvulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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