Cissus discolor, also known as the Rex Begonia Vine – a showstopper in any terrarium or indoor plant collection.
 
🌿 Cissus discolor – Care Sheet
AKA: Rex Begonia Vine
Type: Tropical climbing vine
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, trailing or climbing
Max Length: Up to 2 meters (can be trimmed)
Native To: Java, Southeast Asia
 
✨ Highlights:
Striking velvety leaves with deep green, silver, and burgundy tones
Ideal for lush, vertical terrarium backdrops, trellises, or as a cascading feature
Fast grower with proper warmth and humidity
 
💡 Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal – mimics its natural rainforest environment
Grow lights (6,000K–6,500K) work great in terrariums
Avoid direct sun – can scorch those velvety leaves
 
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temps: 20°C – 28°C
Humidity: 60–90% – loves it high!
Great for closed terrariums, large glass enclosures, or warm rooms
 
💧 Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, but never soggy
Water when the top 1–2 cm of substrate feels dry
Avoid letting it dry out completely – leaves may crisp or drop
Likes gentle misting to maintain humidity
 
🌱 Substrate
Well-draining tropical mix: Coco coir + orchid bark + perlite
Slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred
Top layer of sphagnum or leaf litter can help retain surface moisture
 
🪴 Container & Support
Thrives in pots, terrarium plantings, or hanging baskets
Provide a moss pole, branch, or trellis for climbing
Can trail beautifully from the edges of containers
✂️ Pruning & Propagation
Prune regularly to keep it bushy and under control
Easy to propagate via stem cuttings in water or moist soil
Remove old or damaged leaves to keep it looking fresh
 
🚫 Common Issues
Leaf crisping = too dry or too much light
Leggy growth = not enough light
Rotting stems = overwatering or poor drainage
Watch for pests in lower humidity (e.g., spider mites)
 
✅ Great For:
Tropical terrariums
Indoor plant walls
Hanging displays
Humid greenhouses or warm sunrooms