The cute little leaves in the Callisia repens make this plant an instant favorite. Whether it is completely green (Turtle Vine), with some variegated pink leaves (Bianca) or with lots of variegation and pink all over (Pink Panther or Pink Lady), this fast growing plant is a must! This lovely plant is native to Mexico, Central and South America. It is a succulent like vine, so its easy to care, but not for the overwaterers out there! (Yes, that's a made up word, but you get it!)
Here are some tips to make your plant grow and thrive in your home.
Light:
Callisias love very, very bright, indirect sunlight. Some direct morning sun is even better, but too much sun can cause burn damage. Indoors it will thrive if placed by a window or door that receives some direct morning sunlight, and bright indirect sunlight the rest of the day. If placed outdoors, it should be placed in a shaded area where it receives some direct morning sun.
Water:
Callisias need to dry out completely between waterings. When watered, they like their soil to be completely saturated, but it needs to dry completely before watering again. A good way to water Callisias is through bottom watering. This way they will absorb the water they need, and you don't need to worry about underwatering them. It is not that easy to notice when Callisias need water, so always check the soil thoroughly to make sure it is completely dry before watering. When watering, don't forget to sprinkle some water in its leaves, it loves it!
Soil:
Callisias need a well draining potting mix. We recommend to use an indoor potting mix, with peat moss and perlite or vermiculite, or create your own mix with your go to materials. Any indoor mix with good drainage will work.
Food:
You can add a balanced slow release fertilizer and forget about it for the next few months. If you prefer to use fertilizer diluted in water, then you can fertilize once a month. Always follow the fertilizer’s instructions.
Repotting:
Callisias don't tend to overgrow their pots very often, and they don't mind being bit tight. Its root system is strong but very thin, so it will grow with little space. You can repot once a year to give it a new potting mix, or if you think it is too big for its current pot. Always use pots with drainage holes.
Propagation:
Callisia propagation is super easy. They grow fast from stem cuttings, and directly into the soil is what works best. This plant tends to snap quite frequently, but these pieces will make new plants, or put them in the same pot to make the plant fuller, faster.
Toxicity:
Callisia repens is toxic to cats, dogs and humans if ingested. Its sap can also cause dermatitis when in contact with skin.
Facts:
•Lighting is very important to make these plants happy. If you don't have enough light inside, they will grow better as balcony or terrace plants.
•Let them be, and they'll be fine. Do NOT overwater. It is better to forget about them than to give too much attention and love.
•This plant has many different varieties, as mentioned before. Completely green, with some variegation (known as Bianca) and with lots of pink variegation (Pink lady, or Pink Panther). Variegation can look pink or purple.
•It propagates very easily.
Don't forget, if you have any questions, just ask us! We'll try to help.
Thanks for reading!