Muehlenbeckia platyclada

Muehlenbeckia platyclada, formerly known as Homalocladium platycladum, is nicknamed the ribbon bush due to its flat, thin, and undulating branches of a lovely spring green. It must be admitted that this curious undershrub, which resembles seaweed, is quite distinctive. It is an exotic and frost-sensitive plant native to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and other Pacific islands. Cultivable in open ground in frost-free coastal gardens, it is as decorative and original as an indoor or conservatory plant. It can spend the summer on a patio or balcony. It can also be used as an annual, as its growth is vigorous and rapid.

Muehlenbeckia platyclada is commonly called the flat-stemmed Muehlenbeckia, centipede plant, tapeworm plant, or ribbon bush. It belongs to the Polygonaceae family, a cousin of sorrel and knotweed. This botanical species is native to Oceania but naturalised in other tropical regions of the world where it is sometimes considered invasive. It is a frost-sensitive plant, with the stump able to withstand brief frosts of -4°C (24.8°F). In our climates, it is generally grown in pots to be protected from the cold during winter. The ideal minimum temperature in winter should be between 10 and 15°C (50 and 59°F).

Muehlenbeckia platyclada is an undershrub with an initially erect and then spreading habit, which quickly reaches about 1m (3ft) in all directions. Its vigour is such that it can reach 2m (7ft) in open ground if not pruned. It is advisable to regularly prune the ribbon bush from a young age, which allows it to have a nice shape and limit its growth. It develops flat and jointed stems composed of bright green, glossy segments. Its tiny leaves, which appear at the joints, are reduced to scales and have a short lifespan. The flat, thin, undulating branches resemble ribbons. False leaves, called cladodes, form on these branches, measuring 1.5 to 6.5cm (1 to 3in) long. This vegetation persists in winter if there is no frost, and it performs the chlorophyll function in place of leaves. Flowering usually occurs in late spring in our climates. It consists of small whitish-green clusters, sometimes pinkish, that appear on the flattened stems at the segment level. After pollination, small edible berries form, transitioning from bright red to dark purple.

In open ground, in favourable climates, this ribbon bush adapts well to full sun as well as fairly dense shade; it can even withstand moderate drought thanks to its well-developed root system. It will bring a truly exotic touch to a flower or shrub bed, along with Restios and ferns, for example. In pots, it should not lack water. Indoors, place it near a window where it will receive a few hours of sunlight. It does not appreciate dry atmospheres too much; its foliage is quite susceptible to powdery mildew and attacks from scale insects. The temperatures of our interiors suit it, and it can withstand heatwaves. However, this Muehlenbeckia does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F) during its growth period. In a conservatory, it will perfectly complement indoor palms and banana plants.