Cissus is a genus of some 350 climbers, shrubs, and evergreen perennials originating in tropical and subtropical regions, so the species grown for cooler climates are ideally suited to growing indoors or m a frost-free conservatory. The climbers share characteristics with their near relative, the grape, m that they have attractive leaves and twining tendrils to support themselves as they grow.

The long trailing stems of the kangaroo vine from Australasia allow the plant to be used in a wide variety of ways, from being trained up a wall oi trellis to cascading out of a large hanging basket. The glossy, heart shaped leaves are 3—4 in. (7—10 cm) long, toothed, and pointed, and produced on red-tinted petioles. C.a. ‘Minima’ is a dwarf, slow-growing form with spreading branches.

Size: Height to 10 ft. (3 cm).

Light: Indirect sunlight.

Temperature: Normal room.

Moisture: Keep the potting soil just moist from spring to fall. In winter, apply only enough water to prevent drying out.

Feeding: Feed standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring until fall.

Propagation: Take tip cuttings, 4-—6 in. (10—1.5 cm) long in spring. Use rooting hormone.

Special needs: Regularly pinching out the growing tips will produce a more bushy plant.