An evergreen climber that can grow up to 3.5 m, the evergreen magnolia vine is a strongly growing plant. It is used as a wall side border or container plant in the tropics. Its fruits are similar to the blackberry, and the flowers are cup shaped.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Kadsura japonica, commonly known as the kadsura vine or simply kadsura, is a plant species native to Japan (Honshū, Kyūshū and the Ryukyu Islands) in woodlands. The larvae of the moth Caloptilia kadsurae feed on K. japonica in the main Japanese islands and Ryukyu Islands.
Kadsura japonica was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae in 1759, originally as Uvaria japonica.
Kadsura is one of the three genera of the family Schisandraceae. It contains 22 species.
Kadsura japonica is a cultivated, dioecious, ornamental plant in gardens, with edible fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked. It grows from 8 feet (2.4 m) to 15 feet (4.6 m). It is an evergreen with deep green, glossy leaves that turn slightly red in autumn. Its fruits are very bright scarlet and it has white, unisexual flowers. This plant contains 1–3 seeds. The apex is acuminate.
The leaves are variegated, shiny green and irregularly edged in white. The flowers are cup shaped and have red berries in spring. The petioles are 0.6–2.3 cm long. 5–8 secondary veins can be found on each midvein in the leaves. In common with other plants in the family Schisandraceae, this species can be monoecious although it is often reported as dioecious, and may change sex expressions over time.
It is found in tropical and subtropical habitats and can be grown as an indoor plant. This plant is found in Japan, southern China, southern Korea and eastern Asia. It can be in habitats such as woodland gardens, found in both the sun and shade. It grows in a moderate and fertile soil. It needs a neutral or acidic soil that is adaptable and well-drained. This plant mostly does not need bright sunlight. In autumn, the shoots of the plant become very long and form layers. It is a climber on woodland trees. It is found at an elevation of 500–2000 m in some provinces of China, Fujian and Taiwan.
II. How to Grow and Care
Evergreen magnolia vine is a resilient species favorable among gardeners for its tolerance to various environments. Key care requirements involve ensuring the plant has well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. A special care point for evergreen magnolia vine is its need for regular watering during its growth season, while making sure not to waterlog the soil to prevent root rot. With these considerations met, evergreen magnolia vine tends to thrive with minimal intervention.
Sunlight
Evergreen magnolia vine’s optimal light conditions consist of partial sun exposure, which strikes a balance between providing adequate brightness without the potential stress of intense midday rays. The preferred setting for evergreen magnolia vine allows for filtered sunlight for a significant portion of the day, safeguarding its foliage and supporting its robust growth. Evergreen magnolia vine exhibits a noteworthy adaptability to full sun, given proper acclimatization, though excessive exposure may increase the risk of leaf scorch or a reduction in vigor.
Outdoors, evergreen magnolia vine thrives in locations that offer dappled shade, ideally underneath the canopy of taller plants or structures that provide respite from the harshest light. Its leaves might adjust in density and orientation to maximize light capture while minimizing damage, maintaining its health and ornamental appeal.
Watering
Evergreen magnolia vine thrives in its native humid woodland environments, exhibiting a preference for consistent moisture without being waterlogged. This species is moderately drought-tolerant and requires watering once every two weeks to maintain its vitality. In the context of indoor versus outdoor cultivation, evergreen magnolia vine is more commonly grown indoors where humidity can be controlled to mimic its natural habitat. As an evergreen plant, evergreen magnolia vine benefits from regular misting to maintain the higher humidity levels it favors.
Fertilizing
For evergreen magnolia vine, utilize balanced nutrition fertilizers to optimize growth, flowering, and fruiting. Fertilize biweekly during the growing season with half-strength solution. Winter requires minimal to no feeding. Apply according to manufacturer’s recommendations, being watchful not to over-fertilize as this can damage evergreen magnolia vine’s roots. Adjust feeding with evergreen magnolia vine’s lifecycle; younger vines demand more frequent fertilization. Seasonally assess soil to maintain nutrient balance. Don gloves for safe application and ensure even distribution around the evergreen magnolia vine’s base.
Propagation
Evergreen magnolia vine, a dioecious climber with lush foliage and delicate flowering, propagates via cuttings. For optimal results, choose healthy semi-ripe stems. Cuttings should be taken from vigorous plants and treated with rooting hormone to boost success. Ensure cuttings have at least one leaf node for potential root development. A well-draining potting mix will provide the best medium for rooting to take place. Consistent moisture and warmth are key to encourage root growth without causing rot.
Transplanting
The prime seasons to transplant evergreen magnolia vine are S1-S3, during which its chances to recover and thrive are the highest. Transplantation should ideally take place in partially shaded areas, ensuring well-drained soil. When transplanting, remember to condition the soil to support healthy growth.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Culinary uses
Fruit from this plant is edible and is eaten either raw or cooked.
- Other uses
Material extracted from this plant is used for hairdressing. Extracts from this plant are also used for traditional Japanese washi paper making.
