Plant : Rex Begonia Vine, Velvet Vine
Cissus discolor
Cissus discolor, commonly known as the Rex Begonia Vine or velvet vine, is a stunning tropical climber prized for its richly colored foliage. With its velvety green leaves marbled with silver and purple undersides, it produces a lush, architectural display when given warm, humid conditions and bright light.
Plant Care Essentials:
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect or filtered light
Water Scheduling
High
Growth Habit
Fast
Temperature
Tender
Plant Profile:
- Scientific Name:
- Cissus discolor
- Family:
- Vitaceae
- Plant Type:
- Ornamental houseplant
- Origin:
- Tropical Asia
- Size:
- Upto 15cm
- Growth Rate:
- Fast
- Light Requirements:
- Bright, indirect or filtered light
- Watering Needs:
- High
- Temperature Tolerance:
- Tender
- Maintenance:
- Moderate
- Flower Color:
- Small yellow flowers
- Drought Tolerant:
- No
- Tropical:
- Yes
- Indoor:
- Yes
- Has Fruits:
- No
- Edible Fruit:
- No
- Poisonous to Pets:
- Yes
Care Instructions:
This vigorous vine features long, red tender stems and velvety leaves that can reach 15 cm in length. The upper leaf surface is silver-marbled with green, while the underside glows reddish-purple. Though small yellow flower clusters appear at leaf axils, the foliage is the main attraction. Cissus discolor thrives in humid, warm environments where rich compost is kept consistently moist.
Light
Provide bright and indirect or filtered light. Too little light dulls leaf color; strong direct light may scorch foliage. A well-lit, warm greenhouse is ideal.
Water
Keep compost consistently moist—never allow it to dry out. Underwatering causes leaves to drop rapidly.
Soil
Use rich, humus-based, free-draining potting mix. A mix containing peat, bark, and perlite suits this tropical vine.
Temperature
Requires warm conditions, ideally 18–27 °C (65–80 °F). Protect from temperatures below 15 °C (~60 °F).
Humidity
High humidity is essential to keep leaf colour vibrant and prevent stem and leaf drop.
Fertilizer
Feed monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during active growth. Organic compost top dressing also helps.
Best Placement Ideas
- Hanging baskets or climbing up supports inside a greenhouse
- Warm, humid windowsill with filtered light
- Mounted on moss poles in terrariums or vivariums
- Among tropical houseplant collections in heated conservatory
Common Issues
- Leaf drop and dulling if humidity or moisture is low
- Weak or pale foliage under low light
- Stem rot if compost becomes soggy or waterlogged
- Pest issues like spider mites in dry, warm air
Things to Watch Out For
- Dispose at once if leaves drop due to drought—keep compost moist
- Avoid direct scorching midday sun
- Maintain humidity and airflow to prevent pests and oxidative stress
- Rotate plant periodically to maintain even growth
Propagation Tips
Propagate by tip cuttings: take 5–7 cm stem tips, remove lower leaves, and place in moist rooting medium or water. Provide high humidity and warmth for best rooting.
Maintenance Tips
Prune as needed to manage climber vigour. Remove aging or weak stems and trim to desired shape. Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and vibrant. Re-pot annually or when rootbound.
Did You Know?
Did you know the striking leaf colour in Cissus discolor is at its best when grown in warm, humid, and well-lit environments? It’s not just decorative—it climbs energetically by woody tendrils, adding vibrant vertical interest to greenhouse settings.
Categorized
Related Plants
View all plants
Grape Ivy
Rhoicissus rhomboidea
Rhoicissus rhomboidea, or Grape Ivy, is a versatile evergreen climber prized for its glossy tri-lobed leaves and adaptable habit.
Care Guides
Cultivating Exotic Plants
Raising colorful and exotic house plants is an exciting introduction to exotic species, and recreating their natural habitat offers a challenge of its own.
How to Plant a Pip
If you enjoy growing house plants from seed, and like saving money, then next time you eat exotic fruit, plant the pips or stones.
Growing Plants at an East-Facing Window
A position at a window provides plants with strong indoor light, whichever way the window faces.