With buildings in every corner, we are staying further away from nature day by day. However, it is not possible for the feeling of “I need nature and green” in people to disappear. Of course, this feeling cannot be suppressed and various plants take their place in many places. Some Plants (i.e., Creeping Wire Vine) play a role not only in the different air and aesthetic beauty they bring to the environment but also in bringing routines that replace therapy to human life as a result of the care they require. One of these plants is the Maidenhair Vine with its easy care and lush appearance.
General information
The Maidenhair Vine, whose scientific name is Muehlenbeckia Complexa, is found in very few places and in different varieties, except in New Zealand, where it is originated from. This plant, which belongs to the Polygonaceae family, is a perennial herb and can reach a maximum height of 30 cm and a width of 125 cm. With its dark green, waterdrop-like oval and small leaves, it is also commonly called “Wire Vine” because of the densely intertwined wires that make up its body. Along with the ability to crawl on other plants and rocks, its white flowers also have a very pleasant scent. However, since its flowers are not very visible, it is mostly preferred for its leaf beauty.
Maidenhair Vine is a wonderful ornamental plant that attracts attention with its bright leaves. However, it is worth saying that especially pet owners and small children should stay away. Because this plant is toxic to humans and pets. If eaten, it invites major stomach problems.
How to Care for Muehlenbeckia complexa
Sunlight: Of course, everything does not end with acquiring this plant. Although Maidenhair Vine is not difficult to care for, some points need to be paid attention to. For example, light is very important for this plant. In the medium to bright light, your plant will be delighted.
Watering: As a result of insufficient watering, the stem may shrivel, your plant may grow little or not at all, and the leaves may turn yellow. That’s why you should keep the soil moist by watering it. Provided it doesn’t happen too often, of course. Watering should be reduced, especially in autumn and winter. Because excessive irrigation also causes root rot, it is necessary to maintain the balance. The fact that the plant is located in a shaded place will increase the risk of over-watering and disrupt this balance. As can be seen from here, it would not be wrong to say that light and water have serious effects on each other.
Humidity: You need to keep the soil of the plant moist. In addition, you can also keep in mind the suggestion to hose the leaves with gentle movements to moisten the leaves.
Temperature: Guess you have understood that this plant is a tolerant plant because it adapts to almost any soil. The same is true for temperature. Maidenhair Vine is also tolerant of temperatures below freezing. However, sudden temperature changes can lead to bad results. Therefore, in a dangerous situation, it is necessary to keep the plant outside until the danger of frost has passed, in order not to cause an environmental shock.
Soil Type: It can adapt to any environment except heavy, poorly drained, and dense soils.
Fertilizer: Fertilizers also play a very important role in growing plants in general. However, it does not require fertilization to be a healthy plant. However, a slow-release, nutrient-balanced fertilizer for foliage plants can be used.
Propagation: The height and width this plant could reach were mentioned above. Well, the question of how this plant spreads is at this point. Propagated by seed or root and eye cuttings, this plant can spread up to 2.5 m in diameter over a sufficiently large area. It takes a considerable time, such as 3-6 years, to reach this spread.
Common Problems
Possible problems: One of the most common problems when growing this plant is discoloration and is caused by too little light on the plant. However, the very low humidity problem, which is also frequently encountered, does not offer to heal already affected leaves.
Suggestions for problems: Moving the plant to a brighter location will solve this problem. However, the use of a moisture/gravel tray will protect undamaged leaves from this problem. So you can have a Maidenhair Vine with healthier and brighter leaves.
