Tetrastigma

The genus Tetrastigma (Tetrastigma Planch.) comprises about 90 species of the grape family. They are distributed in East India, in Malaysia as far as the island of New Guinea, and in northern Australia (1 species). Evergreen plants, vigorous climbing shrubs — lianas. Leaves 3-5 (7)-lobed, large. Flowers small, grouped in many-flowered false umbels; stigma 4-lobed, divided (a characteristic of the genus).

Tetrastigma is distinguished by rapid growth; it can cover a large surface in a short time. The plant is not very demanding regarding growing conditions and is ideal for greenhouses and winter gardens. It is also used to landscape swimming pool areas, where it grows extensively.

Tetrastigma Voinier (Tetrastigma voinierianum = Vitis voinieriana).

A vigorous climbing liana reaching 50 m in length and more in nature, with a thick woody stem that with age can become a truly contorted trunk, and with fleshy gray-green young shoots covered with woolly pubescence. Leaves very large on long thick petioles, trifoliate or palmately compound, of 3-5 leathery or fleshy leaflets. Leaflets with large teeth along the margin, glabrous above (except the youngest), pubescent beneath with brown hairs. The lower surface of the leaflets is often dotted with tiny resin glands, at first light, darkening on older leaves. At the nodes of young shoots, opposite the leaves, there are spirally twisted tendrils by which the plant clings to supports. Petiole up to 5 cm long. Flowers small, greenish, grouped in axillary many-flowered corymb-like inflorescences. Fruit berry-like, rounded. Rarely flowers in indoor culture.

Location: the plant is relatively shade-tolerant but prefers bright, diffused light. Suitable for growing at west- and east-facing windows; it can also grow at a north-facing window. From spring to summer Tetrastigma is recommended to be kept at 20-27 °C; in autumn it is better to lower the temperature, and in winter keep at 12-18 °C. The plant tolerates short-term drops in temperature to 6-8 °C.

Humidity: tolerates dry air fairly well, although it grows better in conditions of increased air humidity.

Watering: water Tetrastigma abundantly from spring to autumn with soft, settled water as the top layer of the substrate dries. From autumn reduce watering; with cool winter conditions water sparingly to avoid waterlogging of the soil. At all times the substrate must not be allowed to dry out completely.

Care: Tetrastigma needs good nutrition. Therefore it is planted in large pots, tubs or boxes; during the growth period fertilize regularly (every 2-3 weeks) with organic fertilizer and replace the top layer of soil annually.

The plant requires a strong trellis. When grown indoors it is important from the outset to tie the shoots to the support or train them along string stretched under the ceiling as they grow, not waiting until they become difficult to manage. Pinching and pruning may be applied during the year.

Repotting is done each spring into a larger container. If necessary, shoots are pruned back heavily. For large tub-grown specimens, repotting can be replaced by top-dressing with fresh nutritious substrate.

Propagation: by cuttings (almost any time of year). Cuttings are taken with one leaf and one bud. Root in containers at 22-25 °C for 3-5 weeks.