Cissus discolor

Rex Begonia Vine, Tapestry Vine, Begonia Vine, Climbing Begonia

Native to tropical forests from the Indian subcontinent through Southeast Asia and into Malesia, Cissus discolor is a climbing vine of the grape family (Vitaceae) — despite its common name, it is entirely unrelated to begonias. Its leaves are the defining feature: a deep green upper surface is dramatically marked with silvery-white patterning between the veins, while the underside is a rich reddish-purple, and the stems share that same burgundy colouring. In a closed terrarium it does best in warm, stable humidity above 60%, where it grows quickly and climbs via forked tendrils, needing periodic pruning to stay in bounds.