Kangaroo Vine
Cissus antarctica
Kangaroo vine is a vigorous Australian climber with glossy, toothed, oval leaves and tendrils that let it scramble up supports or trail from a basket. It is an easy, fast-growing foliage plant that tolerates lower light and cooler rooms.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- When top inch dries
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Cissus antarctica is an evergreen climbing vine in the grape family, native to eastern Australia, where it scrambles through rainforest margins. Its common name nods to its homeland.
Indoors it is grown for its lush, glossy foliage and easy-going nature, climbing by curling tendrils or cascading attractively when left untrained.
It is a classic, old-fashioned houseplant that copes with average indoor conditions and somewhat lower light than many tropical climbers.
How to identify it
- Glossy, oval to oblong leaves with coarsely toothed (serrated) margins, 2-4 in long
- Reddish-brown hairs on young growth and leaf undersides
- Climbing habit using curling tendrils opposite the leaves
- Woody-based stems that can reach 6-10 ft or more
- Tiny, inconspicuous greenish flowers; rarely flowers indoors
Care & growing
Light: Bright indirect light is ideal; tolerates moderate light. Protect from hot direct sun.
Water: Keep evenly moist in growth, letting the top inch dry first. Avoid waterlogging; reduce in winter.
Soil: Free-draining, fertile potting mix.
Temperature: Tolerant of cool to average rooms (50-75 F); dislikes high heat and prefers good air circulation.
Feeding: Balanced feed monthly through spring and summer.
Propagation: Easy from stem cuttings rooted in water or moist mix.
Habitat & origin
Kangaroo vine is native to the rainforests and moist woodlands of eastern Australia, from Queensland to Victoria, where it climbs over shrubs and tree trunks.
It is grown worldwide as a houseplant and, in frost-free climates, as an outdoor screening climber or groundcover for shaded spots.
Frequently asked questions
Does kangaroo vine need a trellis?
It climbs naturally with tendrils, so a trellis or moss pole suits it, but it also trails happily from a hanging basket.
Why are leaves dropping?
Often from overwatering, hot dry air, or sudden temperature swings. Keep it cool, evenly moist, and out of drafts.
How fast does it grow?
It is vigorous and can put on several feet of growth in a season under good conditions.
How do I recognize kangaroo vine?
Look for glossy, oval to oblong leaves with coarsely toothed margins, reddish-brown hairs on new growth, and curling tendrils set opposite the leaves.
Kangaroo Vine guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Kangaroo Vine.
