The Plant That Keeps On Giving
August is here! Do not fret, as there is still something you can plant and enjoy even in the midst of a dreadful hot Urban Phoenix summer.
The very pretty Sweet Potato Vine.
The kind we find in the valley is usually the variety called Marguerite, and is chartreuse with heart-shaped leaves; or the gorgeous Sweet Carolina with it’s dark purple leaves.
The sweet potato vine seldom flowers but if it does it is pretty cool because the little flowers resemble morning glories. They are delicate, very pretty and can be either blue or lavender with a white interior. It’s attractive not only to us but to bees as well. The interior is rich in nectar..
If you are fortunate enough to get a vine that flowers, be sure to clip the ends of the vine to stimulate the flower growth.
There are many other small semi-bush varietals for indoor house plants with vines that spread approximately 3-4 feet. Similar to a philodendron; they are attractive and easy to care for.
I use only potting soil or potting soil mixed half and half with good garden soil. Place a layer of gravel in the bottom of the container to promote better drainage or for indoor use, (so gravel doesn’t fall on the carpet), I fold 2 paper towels into 4 inch squares to cover the drainage holes.
Make sure your containers are in full sun. They don’t like to sit in wet soil and will easily obtain root rot, so keep the soil only damp. You’ll know when your plant is thirsty as the leaves wilt, become soft, thin and limp.
Don’t use high-nitrogen fertilizer; it encourages leaf growth but not the vine growth. Then the plant becomes heavy and won’t get the proper water or nutrients and will no longer thrive or look healthy. It will begin looking ‘sad’ so you’ll keep adding water, which then creates root rot, when it was actually the fertilizer from 6 weeks ago that created the lack luster effect. Soon the leaves will fade to yellow.
I use a mixture of coffee grounds, dried egg shells, banana and potato peels. Mixed together, I pulse them until they are finely ground and add only a table spoon mixed in 12 ozs. of water. This is only my own concoction! A small amount of Miracle Grow mixed with water will do just fine. I would apply only a little each spring and fall.
I think you’ll find the vine to be a pleasant addition to your patio during the summer months. They add an overflowing display of colorful freshness when used in a tall pot or oblong container.
A planter placed 2-3 feet above ground, allows for the potato vine to hang down, suggesting continual growth of flora and adding color and charm when all else seems to be drying up. The leaves are not much bothered by pests but the roots can be attacked by insects which is sometimes difficult to control. For this reason, I prefer my plants in containers/pots, raised flower beds and enjoy the waterfall effect from a hanging basket or tall above ground planter.
This plant is one of the B.E.S.T to use in hanging pots!
The plant is easy to sprout. It continually gives your something lovely to look at and care for, as well as provides new plants for the future or for gifts for friends and family. It can be done in dirt or water.
The sweet potato itself or the actual plant vine are easy to propagate. See YOUTUBE for a variety of ideas to keep those Sweet Potato Vines coming. Enjoy!
