Kadsura Species, Hei Lao Hu

Seeds take about 3 weeks to germinate. Seeds should be kept moist and cool (in fridge) for storage to be viable. Seeds should be germin...Read Moreate in light, warm, well-drained but moist soil.

Plant takes 1 to 3 years to mature to bear fruit. Plant care is the same as grape vine.

Plants can be propagate by seeds, cuttings or layering.
Perhaps later will be able to trade with cuttings.

This climber is indigenous to subtropical and tropical areas of SE Asia, and is a close relative of Schisandra sp. These woody vines tend...Read More to inhabit forested areas of South China and North Vietnam from 400-1900m, favoring a well-drained, but consistently moist environment, and shelter from prolonged direct sun. Like other members of the Kadsura and Schisandra genera, this species often appears as dioecious, but is actually monoecious, and produces a bizarre looking fruit that is alleged to be of medicinal value. Paleobotany reveals distribution members of the genera being more widespread in temperate areas prior to the last ice age, so some winter hardiness is expected. At least one report claims this species winter hardy to at least Zone 7.

Fresh seed obtained from Taiwan germinated while en route. The remainder were soaked overnight and kept in a moist paper towel at room temperature (75F - 25C). Seedlings seem to appreciate indirect lighting or dappled sun, with moderate soil moisture and constant humidity.