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Stephania pierrei (Stephania pierrei)

Stephania pierrei is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine with a woody tuberous or enlarged caudex and twining stems.

LightIt can be grown in full sun, bright indoor light, or partial sun, with another source recommending partial sun.
WaterIt is reported to need moderate watering during growth, watering again after the surface of the medium dries, with a well-draining medium. While in leaf, it is generally kept evenly moist. During cool dormancy and while
HumidityIt is reported to prefer high humidity.
TemperatureIt is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing. Sources differ on the minimum temperature, with limited reports placing it at about 0 °C. It is reported to drop its leaves and go dormant, with dorman
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Stephania pierrei illustration

Overview

Stephania pierrei is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine with a woody tuberous or enlarged caudex and twining stems.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, with accounts naming Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is reported from evergreen forest, deciduous forest, open ground, and shrubland. Cultivation information reports that it favors warm conditions and high humidity.

Characteristics

Few sources report a mature height of about 600 cm, while sources differ on a mature spread of about 20–30 cm. It is reported to grow slowly and has a tuber; the vine can become very long and the tuber very broad. Sources differ in describing the small to medium-small green leaves as nearly round to heart-shaped or obovate, with conspicuous veins that may form paler green radiating or mosaic-like patterns. The flowers are small, but sources differ on their color; one report says yellow flowers appear in spring as growth begins, before the leaves emerge.

Light

It can be grown in full sun, bright indoor light, or partial sun, with another source recommending partial sun.

Watering

It is reported to need moderate watering during growth, watering again after the surface of the medium dries, with a well-draining medium. While in leaf, it is generally kept evenly moist. During cool dormancy and while leafless, reports recommend withholding water and keeping it dry. Few sources indicate a winter watering interval of about 30–90 days.

Humidity and airflow

It is reported to prefer high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

It is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing. Sources differ on the minimum temperature, with limited reports placing it at about 0 °C. It is reported to drop its leaves and go dormant, with dormancy triggered by cold. It is reported for warm hardiness-zone conditions, while few cultivation sources give a limited active-temperature range.

Growing medium and mounting

A well-draining medium is recommended, with another source describing moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil. A moderately draining mix is enough.

Propagation

It is reported to be propagated by seed or cuttings. Cuttings are also listed as a propagation method.

Common problems

It is reported to be sensitive to frost and should avoid freezing conditions. Continued watering during cool dormancy is reported to be unsuitable; the plant should be kept dry at that time.

Identification

Stephania pierrei is distinguished by a large, woody, nearly spherical enlarged tuber or caudex that produces slender climbing vines, together with round to heart-shaped green leaves with conspicuous veins.

Sources