Muehlenbeckia complexa, commonly known as the angel vine plant, is a pretty, wiry vine native to New Zealand and makes a beautiful houseplant.
Ever since I saw this plant growing in an old white urn online, I knew I had to have it.
I asked my daughter if she knew what it was, and at first, she thought it was Peperomia Ruby Cascade. However, I later found out that it was Muehlenbeckia complexa, commonly known as Angel Vine.
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This plant, Muehlenbeckia complexa
, like most plants, has numerous common names. Angel vine, maidenhair vine, and creeping wire vine are the most popular. It makes sense because, as you can see, it has this lovely vining habit with delicate little round leaves, on wiry stems.
My plant is relatively new, but it's already growing well, and I can't wait to find an old white urn to grow it in. I always have a running "wish list" going for antique stores, thrift stores, and garage sales. One large white urn is now on that list.
I love the look, and I think it would make a great hanging basket plant too.
Angel Vine Care Indoors
- Light Needs - Like many houseplants, this one enjoys indirect light. Place near a window that gets good light. I have mine near an east-facing window. However, if the light is strong (bright southern or western facing windows), you may need to have it filtered through a sheer curtain or place the plant further back in the room.
- Watering Needs - I've read that this plant likes humidity, but it doesn't seem too fussy. Water when the top is very dry. Like most plants, make sure it drains well and never sits in water. I found that my angel plant looks pretty dry about every 4 days at my house. That's a little more than most of my houseplants. Typically, I water them once a week or less, depending on the plant.
- Maintenance - Trim as necessary. If you see any brown leaves or it looks too leggy to you, feel free to give it a haircut.
I still have mine in its nursery pot that I set in another white pot. See how nice it trails and vines down.
This vining habit also makes it a good candidate for making an angel vine topiary like this one shown above from my friend Doreen from Hymns and Verses.
So far, it's looking good and showing new growth.
The soil is interesting. I don't know if you can really see from here, but it looks like a tight mat of roots. I've been keeping an eye on it to see when it gets very dry at the top. Then I take it out of the white pot over to the sink for thorough watering.
Angel Vine Outdoors
I was surprised to read that this plant is considered an aggressive ground cover by some people living in warmer climates, such as California.
I have never seen anything like Muehlenbeckia complexa for sale at the nurseries around here. That's probably because it's only hardy to Zone 7 and would not make it through our cold winters.
That's okay because it sure does make a pretty houseplant.
Pat M
Hi, Patti - I live in zone 5 and I had to chuckle at your comment that you didn’t know it could be grown an outdoor plant because, I just learned from your article that it is an indoor plant 😁. I was trying to find out if I could bring my potted plant in for the winter but didn’t actually know the name of it. Soooo, my Seek App and cont’d search lead me to you. I also did not know it could be grown as a topiary. So glad I found your very helpful and interesting page!
Patti Estep
It's such a pretty plant. Glad you like the post.
Cindy
These are just the best decorative plant! I found mine at Lowe's this week in with the groundcovers. I'm Zone 7b.
Patti Estep
Great find at Lowes!
Carol
Got mine at Trader Joes
Patti Estep
Trader Joes gets some great plants in from time to time. I haven't seen this one there but I now I'll be on the lookout.
Kamini
I just found this at my local nursery and with my points got it for $8! I’m so excited. I love this plant.
Patti Estep
That's a great price. Enjoy!
Susan M
You have such great taste in plants! I’ve never seen this one! I think we’d be good plant shopping friends : ).
Patti Estep
Thanks Susan. That would be fun for sure!
J Louise Dietzen
Thanks. Where can you purchase one?
Patti Estep
More and more local nurseries are selling them in the houseplant department. Online I found one at Hirt's Garden. See the link below. It's pretty small but I have had good success with their plants before. Also look for maidenhair vine, or creeping wire vine. They are other common names for Muehlenbeckia complexa.
https://hirts.com/angel-vine-muehlenbeckia-houseplant-terrarium-fairy-garden-2-5-pot-1/?gclid=Cj0KCQiApt_xBRDxARIsAAMUMu8ezvHxWUBOemtRsSNC1vp_35K0J1g9_MyjHE4AXm7pmiuSHEjzMEYaAvvDEALw_wcB
Deborah
Thankyou, i always like learning about plants and creative ways of enjoying & sharing their beauty.
Im new here & so thrilling in my experience with you!
Blessings!💕🌹💕
Patti Estep
You are so welcome Deborah. Thank you for the kind comment. ♥
MrsSW
Hi Patti - it's really nice as a topiary, I see why you were drawn to it.
Sheila
Patti Estep
Thanks Sheila. Originally I saw it in the large white urn I mentioned in the post and then I saw Doreen's post about using it as a topiary. Isn't it funny how you start to notice something everywhere you go once you focus on it?