• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Grow Ribbon Bush (Homalocladium platycladum) Indoors

The green, flat, leaf-like branches of ribbon bush, also known as tapeworm plant, are sure to add a unique flare to your indoor garden.

This easy-care plant prefers a brightly lit location and evenly moist soil. Since both the stems and leaves lose moisture, the plant can dry out quickly. Check the soil moisture often and water thoroughly as needed to keep the soil slightly moist.

Grow this plant in a quality potting mix and container with drainage holes. Pour off excess water that collects in the saucer to prevent root rot.

Small greenish flowers may appear on mature plants grown in adequate light. These flowers are short lived, but the leaves often fall from the plant when plants are in bloom. No need to fret. The green stems produce more energy through photosynthesis than the smaller leaves. New leaves will sprout in time.

A bit more information:  Ribbon bush’s botanical name is now Muhlenbeckia platyclada but you more often find it listed under its old name. This plant is hardy in zones 9 and warmer where it can be grown in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here


March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI

March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation

Register here

March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A

Register here

April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here


April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here


April 12, 2025
Plant a Colorful & Edible Spring Garden
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 26, 2025
Organic Gardening Basics
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI

May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here


May 10, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI

May 11, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI

May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property

Register here

May 17, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI

May 18, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI

June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds

Register here

June 8, 2025
Selecting the Right Hydrangea
for Your Landscape

Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI​​​​​​​

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win

Wild Valley Farms' Wool Pellets 
& Gardener's Bundle 

ENTER NOW