Turtle Vine Green

Description

Turtle Vine Green Plant, Callisia Repens

Callisia is a straggly, cascading, low-growing plant bearing a multitude of small green leaves. Callisia is related to the Tradescantia family and is sometimes mistakenly named as such. Most of the group either spread or trail such as other Tradescantias, but they differ basically in that they have succulent foliage, though they have the same basic make-up of flowers – having three petals. As a plant with tropical origins – Callisia is happy to live on the edges of forests – so it will need either dappled shade or full sun, and preferably humid growing conditions.

Planting and care

Lighting

Turtle Vine grows grows well in partial sun to partial shade. If the pot is placed at least 50 centimetres behind the window hot summer sun will be tolerated.

During summer a spot in the garden or on the balcony is welcome. There it has to be slowly accustomed to the sun, which is no longer filtered through a window.

Soil

Regular mixes for container plants, cacti and succulents, herbs and vegetables can be used.

If leaves and shoots are to be fed to turtles or birds, I would use a vegetable or herbal soil. These mixes contain organic fertilizers.

Watering

Allow the soil to nearly dry between the waterings. Water sparingly if placed cool to temperate during winter. Avoid overwatering. Drying out for a short time will be tolerated.

Feeding

Every 4th to 8th week if Callisia repens is in active growth. Feed with liquid organic fertilizer. A new bought or recently repotted plant don’t need to be fed for the first year.

Temperature

Turtle Vine likes it warm the year round, but can also be kept temperate or cool during winter, at 10 to 15 °C (50 to 59 °F). The colder it is placed, the less watering is required. Minimum temperature is 5 °C (41 °F).

Propagation

Cuttings root at 20 to 25 °C in 2 to 4 weeks.