Turtle Vine Green

Turtle Vine Green (Callisia repens “Green” variety):

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🌱 Plant Overview

• Botanical Name: Callisia repens (Green variety)

• Family: Commelinaceae

• Common Names: Turtle Vine Green, Creeping Inchplant Green, Green Callisia

• Type: Low-growing perennial, trailing or creeping groundcover, or indoor hanging plant.

• Appearance:

  • Small, round, fleshy green leaves (without the purple underside that the regular Turtle Vine has).

  • Compact growth habit, forms dense mats.

  • Ideal for hanging baskets, pots, or terrariums.

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🪴 Soil Requirements

• Needs light, airy, well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging.

• Best soil mix:

  • 2 parts potting soil

  • 1 part perlite or coarse sand (for drainage)

  • 1 part coco peat or peat moss (for moisture retention)

• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

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💧 Watering & Interval

• Turtle Vine Green loves consistent but moderate watering.

• Active growth (spring–summer): Water 2–3 times per week, or when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry.

• Dormant period (winter): Water once every 7–10 days, depending on your indoor climate.

• Always allow excess water to drain. Avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.

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☀️ Sunlight Requirement

• Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.

• Can handle partial shade but may grow more slowly.

• Avoid harsh direct sun as it can scorch the delicate leaves.

• Indoors: Best near east or north-facing windows.

• Outdoors: Keep in a shaded balcony, patio, or under filtered light.

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🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Thrives in 18–28°C. Avoid below 12°C.

• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity (50–70%).

• If indoors is dry, mist occasionally or keep near a humidity tray.

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✂️ Growth & Maintenance

• Fast grower that spreads quickly when happy.

• Pinch back growing tips regularly to keep bushy and compact.

• Trim long or leggy stems.

• Can be grown as a groundcover, table pot, or hanging plant.

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🌱 Propagation Tips

Turtle Vine Green is very easy to propagate:

1. Stem Cuttings (most common method):

   • Cut a 5–7 cm piece with 2–3 leaf nodes.

   • Root in water or directly in moist potting soil.

   • Roots form in 1–2 weeks.

2. Division:

   • When repotting, gently separate clumps and replant.

3. Layering:

   • Stems touching the soil naturally root. Cut and pot separately once rooted.

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⚠️ Common Problems

• Overwatering: Leads to root rot.

• Low light: Causes leggy, weak stems.

• Cold exposure: Can cause leaf drop.

• Pests: Generally resistant, but watch for mealybugs or aphids in humid conditions.

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✅ In Summary:
Turtle Vine Green is a hardy, fast-growing, and versatile plant. With well-draining soil, moderate watering, bright indirect light, and regular pruning, it thrives both indoors and outdoors. Propagation is very easy, making it a great beginner-friendly ornamental plant.