Skip to content
When this covers the leaves, it will create a barrier for photosynthesis, and the leaves of the plant will die as a result.These types of pest can be controlled by lady beetles, which are the natural predator of whitefly and aphids, or you may wish to try to remove the insects by hand (Several types of caterpillar can prove problematic for the sweet potato vine, including armyworms, cutworms, and leaf miners.As the name suggests, leaf miners feed on the inside of the leaves where the soft tissue is. When in containers, whether inside or outside, you can fill the bottom of the pot with rocks or large pebbles to help with drainage and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.As a houseplant, this plant will do best if you allow it to go dry in between waterings, but if left dry for too long, the leaves will wilt. If you live in a drier climate, water with a hose or watering can on a regular basis to ensure the plant gets enough moisture.Mature sweet potato vines fare relatively well in drought conditions. We also invite you to share this page with others and to browse our other growing articles for tips on other plants you may have or are interested in.GreenandVibrant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Height/Spread: Trailing habit, 6 to 12 inches high and 1 to 3 feet wide. If growth becomes too aggressive, prune more regularly to keep the plant in check. Tricolor Ipomoea batatas Tricolor - Credit to starr-environmental. Leaf miners are a moth caterpillar, which is gray when they develop into a moth.
This striking variant features variegated foliage in shades of green, white, and pink. They gather in groups on the plants surface, where they excrete a sugary liquid after sucking the sap from the plant. It is said that Columbus brought the plant to Europe from the New World on his expedition (It does produce sweet potato tubers, and though these won't cause any harm if eaten, they tend to be bland and bitter.
The sweet potato vine responds effectively to pruning, growing with some force in areas it has been cut back. Neem oil is also a natural yet effective way of dealing with beetles.Silverleaf whitefly and aphids suck on the leaves and stems of the sweet potato vine, draining the plant of its nutrients. Zones: Annual, perennial in Zone 11. Ipomoea tricolor, the Mexican morning glory or just morning glory, is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae, native to the New World tropics, and widely cultivated and naturalised elsewhere. (8-13 cm), close in the afternoon, hence the common name. The larvae, which are white with brown heads, feed on the roots, creating tunnels through the root structures. I have the SOUL of a SEQUOIA. Otherwise, neighboring plants might suffer from the high humidity created for the sweet potato vine.This plant can become quite unruly if left to its own devices and will benefit from an occasional pruning session. It has a compact trailing and mounding habit, growing to around 4 feet wide and 10 inches in height.This is an especially popular variant due to its heart-shaped leaves and bold chartreuse foliage with a subtle golden hue. The foliage is a very dark purple-black, looking quite striking when set amongst green plants. If it feels damp to the touch, then wait a while before watering it. Flowering is uncommon, happening in most instances on older varieties.The sweet potato vine needs to be in a well-draining soil so that any excess water from rainfall or watering has the opportunity to drain away. It usually grows to a more compact size than its other close relations, and therefore may be a good choice for anyone who isn't keen on tirelessly pruning back their plants.Spreading to three feet, this vine is slightly more compact than others and features rusty bronze-colored foliage. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea Batatas) - Growing, Care Tips & Pictures