Callisia Repens – Hanging Plant

Selling size: A bunch cuttings with roots

Callisia repens, also known as creeping inch plant or turtle vine, is a relatively easy-to-care-for trailing succulent.

Here’s a guide to keeping Callisia Repens happy:   

Light:

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. This will help maintain vibrant foliage colors, especially in variegated varieties like ‘Pink Bubbles’.   
• It can tolerate lower light conditions, but the colors might fade, and the growth can become leggy.   
• Avoid direct sunlight, especially harsh midday sun, as it can scorch the leaves. Some gentle morning or late afternoon sun can be tolerated.   

Water:

• Keep the soil consistently lightly moist during the growing season (spring and summer).   
• Allow the top inch (2-3 cm) of soil to dry out before watering again.   
• Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Water sparingly, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.   
• Ensure good drainage by using pots with drainage holes. Do not let the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.   
• Water thoroughly until you see water drain from the bottom of the pot. Discard any excess water in the saucer.   
• Use non-calcareous water at room temperature, such as rainwater, if possible. Tap water can sometimes contain minerals that may harm the plant over time.   

Soil:

• Callisia repens prefers well-draining soil.   
• A succulent or cacti potting mix is a good choice.
• You can also use a standard indoor potting mix amended with perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Temperature and Humidity:

• It thrives in average room temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C).   
• It appreciates moderate to high humidity, but can tolerate average household humidity.   
• If the air is very dry, you can mist the foliage occasionally with non-calcareous water or use a pebble tray to increase humidity.   

Fertilizer:

• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season.   
• Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when growth naturally slows down.  
• Ensure the soil is damp before applying fertilizer.

Pruning:

• Regular pruning helps to keep the plant compact and bushy and encourages new growth.   
• Pinch back the stem tips to promote branching.   
• Remove any dead, yellowing, or leggy stems.   
• Pruning is best done during the growing season.   

Propagation:

• Callisia repens is very easy to propagate from stem cuttings.   
• You can root cuttings in water or directly in moist soil.   
• For water propagation, place cuttings (about 3-4 inches long with a few sets of leaves) in a jar of water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Roots should develop within a few weeks.
• For soil propagation, plant cuttings in well-draining soil and keep it lightly moist.   
• Provide cuttings with bright, indirect light.

Common Problems:

• Leggy growth: Usually due to insufficient light or lack of pruning.   
• Fading colors: Often a sign of not enough light.   
• Brown or crispy leaves: Can be caused by direct sunlight, underwatering, or low humidity.   
• Yellowing leaves: May indicate overwatering or insufficient light.   
• Root rot: Typically caused by overwatering and poor drainage.
• Spider mites: Can occur, especially in hot and dry conditions. Treat with a gentle water spray, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.   

  

Toxicity:

• Callisia repens is considered mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of small children and animals.  

By providing the right conditions and care, your Callisia repens will be a beautiful and trailing addition to your indoor plant collection!