Rex Begonia Vine
Cissus discolor — The Metallic-Leaf Climbing Vine
Light
Medium to bright indirect — needs good light to maintain vibrant leaf colouration. Low light causes faded patterns and leggy growth. Direct sun bleaches the metallic leaf patterns.
Water
Higher humidity demand than most trailing plants — struggles in dry office air. Drooping leaves indicate underwatering; yellowing leaves suggest overwatering.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity. Leaf edges brown in dry winter heating.
Temperature
18–27°C (65–80°F). Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents.
Difficulty
Advanced
Sizes
Tabletop · Mid-floor · Floor specimen
Rex Begonia Vine — Cissus discolor — is a climbing or trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves patterned in silver, green, and purple, with red undersides. Stems trail 60–90 cm and can climb a small trellis, growing moderately to fast in warm, humid conditions.
In the Office
This one needs more humidity than most trailing office plants and genuinely struggles in dry office air — low humidity is the single biggest reason it fails indoors, causing leaves to curl, brown at the edges, and drop. It requires more attention than most commercial plants and is best reserved for premium installations where someone can maintain the humidity it needs. It may also go semi-dormant and lose most of its leaves over winter, which is normal rather than a sign it's dying.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Silver, green, and purple leaf patterns with red undersides give it a look distinct from any other trailing plant
- Climbs a small trellis or trails 60–90 cm, giving flexibility for how it's displayed
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs, suited to pet-friendly offices
- Cuttings root easily in water, making replacements straightforward for an installation
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Premium installations with reliable humidity control, since this plant needs more than typical office air provides
- 2
Trellised near a window in bright indirect light, where the leaf colouration stays most vivid
- 3
Away from dry, heated vents that will accelerate leaf curling and browning
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Pinch stem tips to encourage branching and a fuller, less sparse look
- Remove bare, leafless stems at the base — they won't grow leaves back
- If leaves curl, brown at the edges, and drop, treat it as a humidity problem first, not a watering one
- Losing most of its leaves in winter is often normal semi-dormancy, not a dead plant — it typically recovers in spring
Want Rex Begonia Vine in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.