To truly thrive, I need a place I can call home with conditions that mimic my native tropical and subtropical habitats. Please plant me in a location where I can bask in full sun for at least six hours a day; this is the energy I need to produce my intricate blooms and fruit. While I can tolerate partial shade, my flowering will be significantly less spectacular. My roots despise being waterlogged. Therefore, I require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is perfect for me. Most importantly, I am a vine by nature. I must have a sturdy trellis, arbor, or fence to climb on. My tendrils will eagerly reach out and grasp anything they touch, so give me support from the very beginning to guide my growth in the desired direction.
Consistent moisture is key, especially during my first growing season as I establish my root system. Please water me deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Once I am mature, I am relatively drought-tolerant, but I will still perform best with regular watering during extended dry spells. To fuel my rapid growth and prolific flowering, I am a heavy feeder. In early spring, as I break dormancy, please provide me with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Follow this up with monthly feedings using a fertilizer formulated for flowering plants, one that is higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the package) to encourage more of those beautiful blooms. Cease feeding in late summer to allow me to prepare for my winter rest.
Pruning is essential for my health and appearance. The best time to do this is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth emerges. I flower on new growth, so do not be afraid to cut me back hard. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak stems, and trim the previous year's growth back by about one-third to one-half. This will encourage a flush of vigorous new vines that will be covered in buds. If you live in a cooler climate where winters dip below freezing, you will need to protect me. After the first frost kills my foliage, apply a thick layer of mulch over my root zone to insulate it from the cold. In very harsh zones, you may need to carefully detach my vines from their support, lay them on the ground, and cover them with mulch or burlap.
I am generally a resilient plant, but I can sometimes attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Please check my leaves regularly, especially the undersides. A strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap usually manages these pests effectively. If you wish to share me with friends, propagation is quite simple. You can take semi-ripe stem cuttings in summer. Cut a 4-6 inch piece just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot with a moist, well-draining medium, and keep it warm and humid until new growth appears, indicating that roots have formed.
