tetrastigma

[nick barta]

I went through the plant database, a couple of safe lists, and several plant websites. Can't find anything on toxicity of this plant.

It has a fast growth rate, can move toward the light by a foot of movement in a day in one blog, killer fast growth rate, leaves up to a foot long, climbs with tendrils, bulky vine that can grow to 30 feet, looks like a large grape vine. Everything I dreamed of..... Anyone know if it's leaves are toxic?

Nick

 

[Syn]

"Tetrastigma is a genus of plants in the grape family, Vitaceae."

Interesting! Where do you get this type of plant? Does it need a lot of water? Even if it's toxic to eat, I think it would look good outside.. hehehe..

 

[renzo0684]

This plant requires high high humidity..... Most indoor places cant grow it....This is listed on the safe list for cats and dogs but thats all I found...

EDIT-- It's also known as the "chestnut vine"

 

[casperpetersen]

it is ok to use a really nice vine ....the plant database sucks!(on this forum) (sorry but it really does. make a list with toxic plants instead )

 

[DGray]

I've grown Tetrastigma. Its a big beast of a vine, but its do-able in a large cage. It needs a big pot and a strong support. I've only tried in a greenhouse, so not sure if it tolerates low light in the house.
I would worry that a large cham might damage all the soft new leaves because they're pretty fragile, but it would be worth trying. You can always move it out to recover if its getting thrashed.
Not everything in the grape family is nontoxic, but we did use this one in the zoo, so I bet its OK.

Edit: common name should read horse-chestnut vine for leave's resembelence to that tree; other common name: lizard vine!

 

[nick barta]

Thanks for all the replies! the care tag says to let it dry out partially between waterings, and that it can tolerate low light. It will be in my future free-range...

Nick

 

[casperpetersen]

how big is your tetrastigma?

 

[DGray]

how big?

Casper, the individual leaves can be 14-18" (35-45 cm.) across on a leaf-stalk that can be on a 20" (50cm.); vines can be quite thick and in mild climates like coastal California they climb 40' or more (12m. +).

I'll try to post a picture later.