Ripogonum scandens, (commonly known as supplejack, Māori: kareao, pirita, translated as "twisted rope") is a common rainforest vine native to New Zealand. It can also grow in areas of swamp. Supplejack is a climbing liana, that has hard but flexible stems. It starts its life as a sappy stem searching for a support. Once it finds a shrub or tree to cling onto, it grows upwards to access sunlight, where it then develops branches and leaves. The supplejack flowers from December to February. It however bears clusters of red berries throughout the year. During summer supplejack tips grow 5 centimetres a day, enabling the plant to climb high up into the canopy of the forest.
Supple jack has good resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not need pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Supple jack is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much experience in plant care.
How to keep Ripogonum Scandens.
Light
The supple jack prefers some light exposure, yet it can thrive even when direct sun is absent. Naturally occurring in areas with varying shade, this plant can obtain nourishment under different light conditions. Still, prolonged exposure to light or a lack of it can negatively affect its growth.
Water
Supplejack thrives in moist, high-humidity environments, similar to its natural woodland habitat. Once established, it only needs watering every three weeks. It fares well outdoors, where its climbing nature helps it absorb moisture from both the soil and the air, especially in temperate climates.
Temperature
Supple jack shows strong adaptability to a variety of climate conditions, coping with both hot summers and cold winters. However, it does have an optimal temperature range for growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can be fatal. In areas where temperatures approach its lower cold-tolerance limit, it's necessary to use insulation to protect the plant.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your Supple jack in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular fertilizing improves overall health, producing vigorous growth, increased resilience in harsh conditions, and better resistance to pests and diseases. Stick to a consistent fertilization schedule for your Supple jack to maintain vibrant, deeply colored foliage and a lush appearance.
Pruning
Supple jack is a climbing plant known for its flexible stems and lush foliage. To maintain its health and manage its growth, prune in early spring. This will allow you to remove any dead stems and thin out dense areas, improving air circulation. Using proper pruning techniques encourages healthy growth and prevents supple jack from overwhelming nearby plants.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Ripogonum
- Family
- Ripogonaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 10.06 m
- Mature Spread
- 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Green
- Flower Size
- 0.76 cm to 1.27 cm
- Bloom Time
- Winter
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Native Area
- New Zealand
Other names.
