Callisia is related to the Tradescantia family and is sometimes mistakenly named as such. Most of the group either spread or trail as with the Tradescantias, but they differ basically in that they have succulent foliage, though they have the same basic make-up of flowers having three petals. The flowers are generally insignificant.
Callisia has tropical origins happy to live on the edges of forests so will need either dappled shade or full sun, and preferably humid growing conditions.
The Plant: Callisia is a straggly, cascading, low-growing plant bearing a multitude of small green, fleshy leaves. The leaves of Callisia repens have purple undersides .In late autumn/winter, as watering slows down or ceases, the leaves become deep purple.
Callisia repens, also known as creeping inch plant or turtle vine, is native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and the West Indies. This herbaceous plant is known for its runners or stolons and is part of the Commelinaceae family.
While there isn't specific documented evidence of when it was first introduced to the UK, Callisia repens was likely brought over due to its attractiveness as a houseplant. Its small size, ranging from 10cm to 15cm, and its ability to thrive in light shaded or bright room conditions but not in direct sunshine, made it a popular choice for indoor gardening.
However, despite its popularity as a houseplant, Callisia repens can become invasive outside its natural habitat. It has been recorded as an invasive species in South Africa as early as 1999 and in southeastern US. This suggests that if introduced to the wild in the UK, the plant could potentially become invasive due to its fast growth and propagation.
As for its use, gardeners love turtle vine for its aesthetic appeal. However, there's no specific evidence on its widespread use in the UK other than as a houseplant. Its impact on the environment and ecosystem in the UK is also unclear due to lack of research and data.
In terms of cultural or historical contexts, Callisia repens doesn't appear to have any specific ties to the UK. Its name comes from two Greek words, "kallos" which means beauty and "repens" which means creeping, reflecting its physical characteristics rather than any cultural significance.
Given the potential for the plant to become invasive, it's crucial to manage its growth and prevent its spread into local ecosystems. Further research would be needed to fully understand the potential impacts of this plant on UK's environment.
All of the available Callisia varieties require the same growing conditions. A light shaded or bright room but not in direct sunshine especially from windowsills.
Potting mix should allow good drainage and can either be a JI type with extra peat added or a peat based compost but with some sterile soil added. As a trailing plant, it is better in a heavier compost to stop the pot falling over if free standing.
The watering regime should simply keep the compost moist and not permanently wet. Being semi-succulent, it will require less watering that most house plants. Water Callisia weekly and mist-spray the foliage in hot dry conditions. Callisia originates from South America and enjoys warmth and humidity. Feeding monthly through summer is plenty enough for this plant.
Ideally pinch out the growing tips regularly in order to maintain compact plant shape. If Callisia has become too straggly trim to a tight ball-shape and it will soon re-grow. If left un-trimmed, then it will become rather untidy.
Good for hanging baskets or in any situation where it can be allowed freedom to hang. It is especially favoured for deep purple winter colour.
Callisia is very easy to grow, and the point above are simply to be followed if you want it to have a long happy, trouble-free life with you.
It does not suffer from any particular pest, though if grown in dry conditions, you will need to keep a look out for red spider mite. Humid growing conditions will normally keep this at bay.
Callisia, also known as the turtle vine or creeping inch plant, is a popular houseplant appreciated for its attractive foliage and easy-care nature. Native to Central and South America, this low-growing perennial is part of the Commelinaceae family.
Cultivation Needs Callisia prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). The soil should be well-draining, and it prefers high humidity. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's best to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
Common Callisia Issues and SolutionsIn conclusion, while Callisia is generally an easy-to-care-for plant, it's not immune to problems. However, with the right care and maintenance, you can keep your Callisia healthy and thriving.
The best means of propagation is by tip cuttings, with four or five placed in a pot. Once rooted you have a ready-made plant. Callisia repens will oblige with a good source of cuttings material.
Callisia, also known as the turtle vine or creeping inch plant, is a popular houseplant that's relatively easy to propagate using tip cuttings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Best Time to Take Cuttings The best time to take cuttings from your Callisia is during the growing season, typically in the spring or early summer.
Essential ToolsSteps to Prepare the Cutting Material Select a healthy stem: Choose a healthy, vigorous stem from your Callisia plant. It should be free from any signs of disease or pest infestation. Make the cut: Using your sterilized scissors, make a cut just below a leaf node. Your cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least three leaves. Prepare the cutting: Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top two or three. If desired, dip the cut end of your stem into rooting hormone. This can help stimulate root growth but is not necessary.
During the rooting phase, which usually takes 2-4 weeks, maintain high humidity by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or placing it in a mini greenhouse. Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light and maintain temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Once roots have formed, you can remove the humidity cover and start treating the cutting like a mature plant. Gradually acclimate the young plant to more light and less humidity over a week or so before moving it to its final location.
Continue to keep the soil slightly moist and feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every month during the growing season.
Tips, Tricks, and Potential IssuesWith careful attention to these details, propagating Callisia from tip cuttings can be a rewarding and successful endeavor.
Identify Weeds in The Garden - How to deal with weeds. Diseases and Pest which harm your garden and plants, learn how to prevent, deter and erradicate your garden problems.
Garden ProblemsPruning Guide. Shrubs flower better with correct pruning. Many illustrations and examples of what to do - and when. Includes evergreens, roses, flowering shrubs, spring flowering shrubs and pruning for stem effect. This is our most viewed and comprehensive section,
PruningGardening Businesses listed in the UK counties and USA states. County and State Listings of businesses involved in Garden supplies and services. If you wish to be added to the Directory, please send us your information. Having problems, use the search box
BusinessesIn this section you will learn about Gardening Basics, Containers, Landscaping, Propagation and Soil.
GardeningGardening Gifts and Reviews, Read Before you Buy