"Muehlenbeckia Platyclada, Centipede Plant or Ribbon Bush  ... Foliage"

Muehlenbeckia Platyclada whose common name is Centipede Plant has Foliage

  • Muehlenbeckia Platyclada grows between 8 feet high and 8 feet spread or 2.4 x 2.4 metres.

  • " This garden shrub does not produce berries, fruit or flowers. "

  • Plant this shrub close to a water garden or pond for best results. It will add form and grace and height to the garden fish pond area. Evergreen and keeps its leaves during Winter Semi hardy in temperate climates

  • Plant like this enjoy humus or organic rich soil. The organic matter not only feeds the flowers and leaves but also retains moisture for the plant. For pruning this plant cut out old wood as needed. Foliage effects make this plant specimen interesting to gardeners for use in most gardens.

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More Information About The Centipede Plant (also called Ribbon Bush)

Centipede plantTake a look at the picture and you'll immediately see how this shrub got its name. The stem from which leaves protrude even looks like it's got a centipede's head at the bottom end.  The Centipede plant is a native of the Solomon Islands and gets flowers before leaves. The leaves are between 0.5 to 2.5 inches long ( 1 cm to 7 cm). The flowers of this alternatively named Ribbon Bush are small and somewhat greenish

The Ribbon Bush (sometimes called the Tapeworm Plant) as a shrub grows to 12' in the wild, but as a cultivted plant will normally not exceed about 5 feet (1.5 metres). It's glossy stems, as shown in the picture, are easily mistaken for leaves. They are lengthy , jointed, and very flat. They are flat, flexible and tough.

The Centipede plant will do well in greenhouse and needs watering well and good light.

In the greenhouse use a soil mix consisting of 2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam soil to 2 parts sand or perlite (diatomaceous earth). The soil should be kept moist at all times. Fertilize monthly with a balanced NPK dilute fertilizer or use a slow release fertilizer. The fact that the plant originates from Polynesia tells us immediately that it loves moisture and humidity.