Cissus javana is commonly known as the Rex Begonia Vine because the leaf pattern resembles those of the popular Rex Begonias. It is a species of Cissus found in Southeast Asia in China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Cissus javana is a herbaceous climbing plant withheart-shaped leaves of deep green and burgundy dripping with silvery markings and flashing a wine red underside. The plant attaches itself to supports by means of coiled tendrils. Widely cultivated as an ornamental, where it is particularly valued for its beautiful leaves, the plant is also sometimes used locally as a food and medicine. It grows on trees or shrubs, or in brushwood, at elevations from 600 - 2,000 metres. As a houseplant, it is a superb easy to grow, low maintenance plant.
Water the plant regularly during the active growth period of the spring and summer. Don’t allow the soil to dry out completely. In the winter, water sparingly. Wait for the soil to dry out and don’t fertilize. As this plant requires high humidity, misting helps keep the plant healthy. Mist the plant every day or two, especially during dry times of the year, such as winter.
From spring to fall feed the plant while the soil is damp every 2 weeks. Use a high potassium diluted feed of 5-10-5. This seems to work well in keeping the leaves and flowers looking healthy.
The ideal temperatures during the summer are between 70°-80°F(21°C-27°C). During the winter, keep it at temperatures between 65°-70°F (18°C-21°C).
