How to Grow Sweet Caroline Potato Vine Inside

The Sweet Caroline series of ornamental sweet potato vine was developed by the University of North Carolina, with four varieties introduced in 2002 and 10 more later. The distinctive leaf shapes and colors, along with their ease of care, have earned these plants several awards. The Sweet Caroline Bewitched cultivars have a more upright and compact growth pattern, making them desirable as indoor potted plants. The green and green-white variegated varieties are best for indoor growth because they require less direct light.

6-inch or larger container
Well-draining potting mix
Trowel or scoop
Fertilizer
Hand clippers or scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Remove your Sweet Caroline potato vine from it's pot and loosen the roots. Repot it in well-draining potting mix in a container one size larger than the original container, leaving 1 inch of space at the top. Tamp down the soil around the roots and water the plant well.
- 2
  Place the plant in a brightly lit window. Place darker-leaved varieties in a south or west window to maintain their coloration.
- 3
  Fertilize the plant monthly with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer or use 13-13-13 timed-release fertilizer pellets.
- 4
  Check regularly for mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies and spider mites, and treat with insecticidal soap. Treat small mealybug infestations by dabbing with cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- 5
  Trim Sweet Caroline sweet potato vines regularly to encourage branching and control growth. Root 4-inch or longer clippings by removing bottom leaves and placing in a glass of water.

Why Would a Plant Be Leaning Toward a Window?

Proboscis and Scorpion-Like Spider Pests on Plants

Indoor Growing