Callisia repens 'Pink Lady' Care Guide

Callisia repens ‘Pink Lady,’ also known as the Turtle Vine Plant, is a charming trailing plant with delicate pink, green, and purple variegated leaves.

This easy-to-grow plant is perfect for hanging baskets or as a cascading houseplant, thriving with bright light and proper moisture levels.

🌟 Quick Look

• 🌞 Lighting Needs: Bright, indirect light to partial sun
• 💧 Watering Needs: Keep soil slightly moist; allow the top layer to dry out between waterings
• 📏 Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall, trailing up to 2 feet
• 🌱 How to Propagate: Stem cuttings
• 🚫 Toxic/Non-toxic: Mildly toxic to pets if ingested
• 🌸 Flowering: Small pink or white flowers (rare indoors)

🏡 Callisia repens ‘Pink Lady’ Care

🌞 Lighting Needs

Callisia repens ‘Pink Lady’ thrives in bright, indirect light but can also handle some morning or late afternoon direct sunlight.

Too little light will cause the pink hues to fade, while too much intense sun can scorch its leaves. A south- or east-facing window is ideal.

💧 Watering Needs

• Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry.
• Avoid overwatering, as the plant is prone to root rot.
• Use filtered or distilled water to prevent leaf damage from tap water chemicals.
• Reduce watering in fall and winter when growth slows.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C).
• Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Enjoys moderate humidity but adapts well to typical indoor conditions.

🪴 Soil & Potting

• Use a well-draining, light potting mix, such as:
  • 2 parts regular potting soil
  • 1 part perlite or sand for aeration
  • 1 part peat moss or coco coir to retain moisture
• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water buildup.

🌿 Fertilization

• Feed once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause leggy growth.
• No fertilizer is needed in winter.

🌱 Propagation

Callisia repens ‘Pink Lady’ is very easy to propagate through stem cuttings.

Steps to propagate:

1. Cut a 3-5 inch healthy stem just below a leaf node.
2. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in moist soil or water.
3. If using soil, keep it slightly moist until roots develop.
4. If using water, transfer to soil once roots are about 1 inch long.

🚫 Is Callisia repens ‘Pink Lady’ Toxic?

Yes, mildly toxic to pets if ingested. It can cause skin irritation in some individuals and mild digestive upset in cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets that like to nibble on plants.

🛠 Troubleshooting & Common Problems

Here are some common problems with this plant and how to treat them.

🍂 Leaves Turning Brown or Crispy

• Cause: Low humidity or underwatering.
• Solution: Increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray, and ensure regular watering.

🌱 Leggy Growth (Long Stems, Sparse Leaves)

• Cause: Not enough light.
• Solution: Move to a brighter location or provide supplemental grow lights.

🍃 Fading or Losing Pink Color

• Cause: Insufficient light or too much fertilizer.
• Solution: Increase light exposure and reduce feeding frequency.

🐛 Pests (Spider Mites, Aphids, Mealybugs)

• Solution: Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and wipe leaves regularly.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Callisia repens ‘Pink Lady’ is a delightful trailing plant that adds a pop of pink to any indoor space.

With proper lighting, moderate watering, and occasional pruning to maintain fullness, this plant will reward you with lush, cascading foliage. Perfect for beginners and experienced plant lovers alike!