You could easily be forgiven for thinking this houseplant is a variegated form of the common ivy, as the leaves are definitely ivy shaped with green and cream markings. Take a closer look and you will see that the leaves are quite soft and fleshy as are the stems and leaf stalks which are an attractive purple.
It is a houseplant cultivated for its foliage rather than its flowers, but when it does produce yellow daisy-like blooms you certainly realise that it is not related to the ivy.
Treat this houseplant as you would a
succulent, giving it plenty of sun and warmth in the summer. During this period watering should be moderate; feed on a fortnightly basis. In the winter it appreciates a rest
with minimal watering, although it should never completely dry out. Provide a cool temperature of around 10(degrees)C (50(degrees)F).
It is quite a resilient plant that
should survive the warm dry
atmosphere of the living room and
it makes a good trailing or climbing
houseplant with stems growing up to 3ft (900mm). Look out, though: it seems to attract aphids which tend to collect on the new growing tips.
Cuttings can be taken in the spring or summer. When selecting suitable shoots avoid those where the leaves may be totally cream. These chlorophyll-free leaves are unlikely to survive if used as cutting
material. Once your cuttings are rooted
pinch out the growing tips occasionally
to encourage bushiness and when planting up a pot or hanging basket pop in at least three or more plants.
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