With its dense, lush green “forest of leaves”, the Muehlenbeckia is a popular plant for indoors and outdoors. It proves to be quite undemanding and easy to care for. However, when placed in the right location, Muehlenbeckia proves to be less willing to compromise.
To the point
- in the garden: sunny to partially shaded, without direct sun
- as a houseplant: airy, bright and shaded, slightly cooler in winter
- loose, fresh and well-drained soil; pH value slightly acidic to neutral
- Hardy Muehlenbeckia axillaris can be planted out
- Muehlenbeckia complexa must be kept indoors or overwinter
Table of contents
- Popular Muehlenbeckia species
- Location in the room
- Location in the garden
- Soil and potting soil
- Location in winter
- frequently asked Questions
Popular Muehlenbeckia species
The most commonly found Muehlenbeckia species are: Muehlenbeckia axillaris (black-fruited wire bush) and Muehlenbeckia complexa (White-fruited wire bush). When choosing a location, it is not irrelevant what species it is. The two species are similar in appearance, but differ greatly in their winter hardiness.
| Muehlenbeckia axillaris | Muehlenbeckia complexa |
|---|---|
| well hardy | only partially hardy |
| tolerates temperatures down to -15 °C | Values around -5°C are only tolerated for a short time |
| suitable for rooms and gardens | Suitable as a houseplant all year round not an outdoor plant, seasonal Balcony plant |
A notice: Muehlenbeckia axillaris is also sold commercially under the names New Zealand ivy, carpet knotweed, carpet wire bush, creeping wire or mattress vine.
Location in the room
There is no need to distinguish which species it is in the house. Because all Muehlenbeckias prefer a location with these characteristics:
- moderately warm
- bright and airy
- without direct midday sun
- high humidity
- East and west windows ideal
Tip: The long tendrils are particularly attractive when the plant is in a hanging basket is cultivated.
Location in the garden
Only Muehlenbeckia axillaris is really suitable for a permanent outdoor location. With its low height of only 15 cm and its strongly branched growth, it is an ideal one Ground cover. Some even put them as Lawn replacement a. But Muehlenbeckia is not a ground cover for every location! She feels particularly comfortable in this place
- Brightness is welcome
- slightly shady
- no direct sun
- not too warm
Tip: The long tendrils of the Muehlenbeckia can also be easily guided upwards with a trellis. This is how a ground cover becomes a climbing plant.
Soil and potting soil
The soil at the selected location must be fresh, permeable and slightly acidic to neutral. The Muehlenbeckie makes no demands when it comes to nutrient content. These characteristics also apply to Potting soil, into which pot specimens are planted. In both cases it is important to avoid waterlogging. Beds with soil that is too loamy must be loosened with sand or humus before planting. The pot must have a large drainage hole and be provided with a drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay.
Location in winter
Planted in the garden Muehlebeckia axillaris can overwinter in the bed. Before the first frost, however, it should be covered with some brushwood in good time. Outdoor plants in pots should leave their location before the first frost and overwinter indoors in a bright, frost-free place at temperatures between 5 and 15 °C. This is mainly for Muehlenbeckia complexa essential. If there is a lack of space in the winter quarters Muehlenbeckia axillaris Survive in a protected place outdoors wrapped in fleece.
A notice: As houseplants, wire bushes are frost-free, but they can use location optimization in winter. They should be kept a little cooler during the growth break. A location that is too warm makes Muehlenbeckia more susceptible to diseases and diseases Pests.
frequently asked Questions
The Muehlenbeckia needs to be watered regularly because the root area of the plant should never dry out completely. However, waterlogging is worse than short-term drought. Therefore, it is better to provide the plant with smaller amounts of water more often. The amount of watering outdoors also depends on the current weather.
The Muehlenbeckia is considered non-toxic. Nevertheless, caution is advised when it comes to their black berries. It is not known what consequences consuming larger quantities may have.
It is rare for a Muehlenbeckia indoors to sprout its yellow-green, star-shaped flowers and bear fruit. But that's not entirely impossible.
Your plant was probably too dark and/or too cool. Place it bright and warm again and it will sprout again. If necessary, no pruning makes sense.