The term ‘curtain creeper’ refers to a vine plant that grows a vast number of vines, all in a similar direction with very little spacing. This means that they form a curtain-like structure that is filled with lush green foliage. These plants may have little to no commercial, medicinal, or culinary use but do very well as standalone ornamental plants.
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The Tarlmounia elliptica is so popularly used as a curtain vine that people often refer to it as just the curtain creeper plant when going to the nursery, regardless of the fact that it has a much more definitive name.
See also: Tips to grow and take care of anthurium
Curtain creeper: Key facts
| Scientific name | Tarlmounia elliptica |
| Common name | Curtain creeper, Vernonia creeper |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Nativity | India, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand |
| Mature size | 1-1.5 ft. tall
6-12 in. wide |
| Sun exposure | Full sun with partial shade |
| Soil type | Fertile, well-drained |
| Bloom time | Early to mid-summer |
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How to grow Curtain Creeper plant?
Growing the Vernonia creeper plant is fairly easy with little to no maintenance. The Vernonia creeper has very few needs and has adapted to household usage through years of evolution.
The curtain creeper can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. In either case, the growing procedure is simple and effortless.
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How to plant Curtain Creeper?
For growing through seeds, simply get a few seeds and sow them 6-10 inches deep in a well-drained pot with coarse sand. Water it enough to be moist but not soggy. Allow the plant to grow tall enough, and repotting should be done whenever the roots outgrow the container. Plant it near a railing or a wall that it can navigate and climb through.
If growing through the stem, take a healthy Vernonia plant and cut a 6-8 inches long section off using a sterile cutting shear. Remove the leaves off the lower half of the stem cutting and place it upright in the rooting medium to about half its length.
Place about 4-5 cuttings in a similar manner in the same pot but keep them a few inches apart to ensure there is no competitive growth. Cover the container with plastic wrap and keep it under direct sunlight for a few weeks.
After a few weeks, you’ll notice the roots have grown. When these roots grow about an inch or two long, transfer the plant into a flowerpot of your choice and keep watering it regularly. Once it has attained a height of about 10 inches, transfer it outdoors, where it can grow steadily along a firm surface like railings or walls.
See also about: vernonia amygdalina
Source: Pinterest
Curtain Creeper: Care tips
The curtain creeper plant doesn’t require a ton of looking after and certainly can be left carefreely for long periods of time, given it is provided with enough sunlight and water to function. It can adapt to various conditions easily and doesn’t come off as too much of a headache.
Curtain Creeper: Pruning
As for pruning, the leaves and the flowers should be removed when they look withered or dead. They can also be pruned as per the owner’s desired look without worrying too much.
Curtain Creeper: Sunlight requirements
The curtain creeper plant prefers a lot of morning sun. As a rule of thumb, make sure it receives at least 3-6 hours of total sunlight every day and then enjoys indirect sunlight for the rest of the day. One more thing to keep in mind is that the plant repotting should be done only in the late evening time of the day and should be kept under partial light and plenty of shade for at least 2-3 days after repotting.
Curtain Creeper: Water requirements
Water the plant regularly, with very miniscule dry spells between every session. Water until the top feels moist to the touch. The curtain creeper shouldn’t be overwatered. The watering frequency should be reduced in the rainy season and winter season.
Curtain Creeper: Temperature and humidity requirements
The curtain creeper plant doesn’t do well with a lot of humidity and cold temperatures. Keep it in a place that is cool and dry, and make sure it receives plenty of sunlight.
Curtain Creeper: Fertiliser requirements
Fertilisers should be fed once a month only during summer and the main growing season when it is young. Feed the plant fertiliser by making space through the topsoil and feed it water immediately after to stimulate the plant.
Curtain Creeper: Pests and diseases
Curtain creeper is a resilient and easy-to-care-for plant that is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, occasional issues such as aphids, spider mites, and fungal infections may occur. It is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures to prevent damage. Timely treatment will help keep the curtain creeper healthy and thriving.
Source: Pinterest
Curtain Creeper: Uses
The curtain creeper plant is strictly ornamental and doesn’t have any medicinal or commercial uses. They are versatile plants that can be utilised to cover walls, fences and buildings, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your surroundings. Moreover, the beautiful flowers of curtain creepers have the added benefit of attracting essential pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a vibrant and thriving garden ecosystem.
FAQs
Is the Vernonia creeper plant toxic?
The Vernonia creeper plant is fairly harmless and doesn’t pose any harm to humans or pets.
Can the curtain creeper plant be used as fencing?
The curtain creeper is used as fencing instead of concrete or window boxes in quite a few places around the world.
Does the curtain creeper plant bear flowers?
Although the possibility of flowering is a hit-or-miss, it does bear flowers which may appear very small. These flowers bloom in a range of colours like yellow, red, orange, pink and white.
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