Question
I just inherited a failing houseplant to see if I could help it survive and get better.  I was told that it was quite full with many small flowers when it was first purchased.  

The plant appears to be a trailing plant. It has small (largest about 1 1/2" from stem to point) leaves, not glossy, darker green (similar to the green pothos color). The leaves are almost heart shaped with a point on one end and the edges of the leaves are serrated or jagged (very small serration).  The leaves are about every 2 - 3 inches along the vine.  I've only had it two days so I don't know what it likes or dislikes yet insofar as water and light.  Any ideas??  Thanks for your help...I hate to let plants just die. :-)

Shelly


Answer
Hi Shelly,

There are several possibilities that come to mind, although none fit your decriuption completely.

Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis) is a vining plant with small white flowers. Howwever, the leaves are rounded and the serration is moderately large.

Kangaroo vine (Cissus antarctica) has green, pointeed leaves with a small serration. However, it rarely ever flowers indoors.

Coralberry has pointed, serrated leaves with white flowers and red berries. However, it is not really a vining plant.

Chenille plant (Acaclypha hispida) fits your leaf desription, but it is not vining and does not have small white flowers.

If your plant is not one of these, perhaps you can e-mail a photo to me at me address below.

After we have a correct ID, then I can tell you how to care for it.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]