Wire vine care guide
Muehlenbeckia complexa
Also known as: Maidenhair vine, Creeping wire vine
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Wire vine
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- It dislikes drying out: as a guide, water thoroughly as soon as the topsoil dries, checking morning and evening in midsummer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 5 days
- Water about when the topsoil dries; it dries more slowly than in summer.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Water about a day or two after the topsoil dries; left too dry, it drops its leaves.
Light and placement for Wire vine
Anywhere from full sun to bright part shade is generally fine; it grows well outdoors in sun, but strong midsummer sun and reflected heat scorch the leaves, so move it to part shade in summer.
Overwintering Wire vine
Overwintering guide: −3°C (27°F) or above
Fairly hardy: in mild regions it generally overwinters outdoors under eaves; a hard frost drops the leaves, but living stems sprout again in spring, and indoors a bright window works.
Fertilizing and repotting Wire vine
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer about once a month from April to June and again in September and October; none in midsummer or winter, since heavy feeding makes the plant prone to rot.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Wire vine
- One missed watering leaves the foliage crisp and it sheds in bulk.
- In summer the crowded stems trap moisture and the inner leaves die back.
- The roots fill the pot quickly, so it stops taking up water and dries fast.
Tips for growing Wire vine
- Overlong stems can be trimmed at any time; the harder you clip, the denser it grows.
- If the leaves drop but the stems stay green, keep watering and it will leaf out again.
- It gets root-bound quickly, so repot into a slightly larger pot about once a year.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
