vineN. America Native

Princess Vine

Cissus verticillata

The Story

Plant Bio

Cissus verticillata is a vigorous evergreen liana native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, climbing up to thirty feet or more via two-branched tendrils. It is characterized by its simple, alternate, oblong-to-ovate leaves with serrate margins and succulent, sometimes pubescent new growth.

This species is distinguished by its dramatic production of slender, lacy curtains of aerial roots that descend from the stems to anchor the plant and absorb atmospheric moisture. Inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers are followed by small, globose berries that ripen from red to black.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a dramatic, curtain-like display of slender aerial roots and dense, lush green foliage.

Provides rapid vertical screening and shade when grown over trellises, arbors, or pergolas.

Flowers attract native bees and generalist pollinators, while the berries provide food for local birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

390"

Width

190"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Americas

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, well-draining soil.
Install a sturdy trellis, arbor, or support structure capable of holding a heavy, mature vine.
Plant at the same depth as the nursery container, backfilling with native soil and watering thoroughly to settle.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture while keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Do not mistake the heavy production of aerial roots for a sign of disease; they are a natural mechanism for moisture absorption. Avoid heavy winter watering, which quickly triggers fatal root rot in cool or dormant periods.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually in late winter to manage size and shape the aerial root curtain.
Ensure the planting medium drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging.
Provide a strong support structure for the climbing tendrils.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless woody stems, as they may fail to produce new buds.
Do not overwater during the winter dormant period.
Do not apply heavy, constant pruning unless strict containment is required.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellis and arbor coveragePrivacy screeningTropical-themed gardensContainer planting with aerial root display

Companion Plants

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Plumeria rubra Bougainvillea glabra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Princess Vine questions

What zones can Princess Vine grow in?

Princess Vine is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Princess Vine bloom?

Princess Vine typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Princess Vine need full sun?

Princess Vine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Princess Vine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Princess Vine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.