Callisia repens
Callisia repens
Turtle Vine
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Taxonomy
Family Commelinaceae · Genus Callisia
Description
Callisia repens, or Turtle Vine, is a charming, fast-growing trailer with tiny glossy leaves that spill beautifully from pots and baskets. Easygoing and forgiving, it thrives with bright, indirect light and regular light trims to stay dense and tidy.
Common Names
Turtle VineCreeping Inch PlantCallisiaPink Lady (for variegated cultivars)
Context
nativeRegion
Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; naturalized in many tropical/subtropical regions.
usdaZones
10–12 (often grown indoors elsewhere)
companionPlants
Tradescantia zebrina, Pilea glauca, Peperomia rotundifolia, Fittonia albivenis, Hoya carnosa, Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)
culturalUses
Popular in hanging baskets, as a fast groundcover in frost-free gardens, and in terrariums/vivariums (often used as reptile-safe forage). Can be weedy in warm climates—manage spread outdoors.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light to gentle morning sun; tolerates medium light but may grow leggy. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) of soil are dry. Keep slightly moist in the growing season; reduce in winter. Avoid soggy soil.
SoilWell-draining potting mix with 30–50% perlite/pumice; or a cactus/succulent mix amended with peat/coir for slight moisture retention.
FertilizerFeed at 1/4–1/2 strength with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring–early fall. Do not fertilize in winter.
HumidityAverage home humidity (40–60%) is fine; appreciates slightly higher. Avoid very dry drafts.
TemperatureIdeal 65–85°F (18–29°C). Protect from chills; avoid below 50°F (10°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitCreeping, mat-forming, trailing stems; dense foliage on short internodes.
Mature SizeTrailing length 12–36 in (30–90 cm); mat height 2–4 in (5–10 cm).
Growth RateFast
BloomingTiny white flowers sporadically in spring–summer; generally not showy.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in winter—reduce watering and feeding.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings in water or soil, Division of clumps, Simple layering by pinning nodes to soil
DifficultyVery easy
Best SeasonSpring to summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch or tip-prune regularly to encourage branching and prevent legginess; shear and re-root cuttings to refresh a pot.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring or when rootbound; use a shallow, wide container with fresh, airy mix.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids; root rot from overwatering; botrytis in stagnant, humid conditions.
ToxicityGenerally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs if ingested; sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive pets or people. Widely used as edible for many reptiles.
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