This plant's crazy hair day is every day! And you can enjoy its tangle of vines with their distinctive little round leaves every day too. The sheer number of common names demonstrates the variety of things this plant can be compared to - from hair to mattress springs, they may not all be flattering but they give you some idea of the unruly patch of nature caught in this houseplant. Make sure it gets a drink when thirsty, doesn't get too much light and scorch, and gets plenty of planty love from you and you'll keep this lovely verdant plant happy. Over 3-6 years, it can even grow up to 2.5m wide! If this sounds a bit much, remember you can also prune.
Scientific Name
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Muehlenbeck's embracing plant)
Common Name
Maidenhair Vine, Creeping Wire Vine, Lacy Wire Vine, Angel Vine, Mattress Vine, Mattress Wire Weed, Necklace Vine, Wire Vine
Origin
This plant is native to New Zealand.
Light
Direct sun will burn this plant, so make sure it doesn't sit in a very sunny window. Give your maidenhair vine bright indirect light to keep it photosynthesising and not crispy.
Water
Only allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waters. This will keep this thirsty plant hydrated.
Humidity
Used to a tropical environment, this plant will appreciate higher humidity. If you notice its leaves turning brown and crispy, try introducing a humidity tray.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining but moisture retentive soil. A mix with added coir, perlite and bark, such as a mix designed for Ficus pants, will work well here. Repot every few years, or when it gets potbound, into a pot just a little bit bigger. This plant prefers to be slightly rootbound.
Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.
Temperature
This plant can stand temperatures between -3 and 30°C; it should be fine in any indoor temperature, just make sure it's not by an operating heater which would dry it out. You can grow it outdoors, but it would need to come inside over winter and gradually acclimatise to the changes in temperature.
Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips
A common issue with Maidenhair ferns is underwatering. If the soil is often dry and you notice wilting, and sunken yellow leaves, you may need to water more frequently. Moving the plant away from radiators and direct sun will also help here. If your soil is consistently waterlogged and the leaves are going yellow, your plant is probably getting too much water! Water less frequently, or move into a brighter location if it's somewhere very shady, to help with this.
