How To Grow Banisteriopsis Caapi From Seed

You don’t need to travel to the rainforest and meet up with a shaman to get your hands on Banisteriopsis caapi. Also known as the “spirit vine”, you can grow this plant from seed at home. Let’s take a look at the prized Banisteriopsis caapi and how to cultivate it.

WHAT IS BANISTERIOPSIS CAAPI AND WHY GROW YOUR OWN?

Banisteriopsis caapi is a large vine that grows in the Amazon rainforest. It is probably best known as an ingredient in an ancient ceremonial brew used amongst local indigenous peoples.

B. caapi is native to northern and western South America, and can be found growing in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The vine can grow quite long—up to 30m—and it climbs on other plants for support. Banisteriopsis caapi develops small white or pale pink flowers that most commonly bloom in January. It grows in shade or semi-shade, where it does well in moist soil with a neutral to very acidic pH.

The only drawback with growing your own Banisteriopsis caapi is that cultivating the plant, including germinating the seeds, will take some time. Otherwise, it is quite low-maintenance and can be grown successfully in all kinds of environments.

BANISTERIOPSIS CAAPI: SEEDS VS CUTTINGS

Banisteriopsis caapi can be grown from both seeds and cuttings, the latter of which can be obtained from vendors online. Cuttings can be rooted into soil, just like cannabis clones, where they will flourish into fully formed vines later on.

Growing Banisteriopsis caapi from seed may be a more satisfying process for gardeners, botanists, and collectors looking to raise the plant from its earliest form.

If you choose to start your grow from scratch, you’ll want to find a reliable source for your seeds. Zamnesia sells a variety of smart seeds, including Banisteriopsis caapi seeds—available in packs of 10 so you can increase the chance of successful germination.

GERMINATING BANISTERIOPSIS CAAPI SEEDS

Banisteriopsis caapi is known to take quite some time to cultivate, so patience is certainly a virtue when you want to introduce these specimens into your garden. The germination process, however, isn’t too lengthy. Typically, germination and sprouting are reported to take place within 3–4 weeks of sowing the seeds, although some seeds can take longer.

1. Prepare a rich, well-draining soil

Once you’ve obtained your seeds, it’s time to formulate a soil mixture that will provide your plants with nutrients in the early stages of development. This soil needs to be well-draining; therefore, it is recommended you add 25% perlite to the mix. Perlite is a type of porous volcanic glass that can absorb water, which makes it helpful when it comes to drainage. Good drainage may reduce the risk of fungal infestations. Perlite also benefits aeration and allows water, oxygen, and organic material to be more accessible to plants.

Because Banisteriopsis caapi grows in the Amazon rainforest, it may be beneficial to use similar soil to what is found in its natural environment. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid starter mixes that are heavy in peat. Instead, opt for something richer and more nutritionally dense.

2. Ensure a warm and humid growing environment

The vine is accustomed to the climate of the rainforest and prefers temperatures between 17–30°C and high humidity. Those living in tropical regions could grow it outdoors, while those elsewhere may find more success cultivating in a grow tent or greenhouse.

Banisteriopsis caapi seeds look similar to maple seeds, consisting of two adjoined seed pods with “wings”. The seed pods can be separated.

Place the pod-end into the soil, with the wing sticking out of the topsoil into the air. Even if the pods and wings are not intact, you can still germinate the seeds.

It’s recommended to keep a plastic bag or sheet over the top of your pot during germination to maintain good moisture levels. Remove the bag periodically to let in fresh air and prevent excess moisture and mould. Remove the bag any time water droplets start to form inside. Water the seeds once per day and don’t let the soil dry out. Be patient—it can take several weeks for the seeds to sprout.

TRANSPLANTING AND FURTHER PLANT CARE

Once your seeds have sprouted, it's time to relocate them to a new home where they can grow to their full potential. Transplant the sprout into a pot with a diameter of at least 20–30cm. You can transplant to an even bigger pot if you want. This way, you can side-step needing to transplant multiple times in the future. For the first couple of days after transplanting, don't place the newly inhabitated pot in direct sunlight, and avoid midday sun in general.

Ensure plant support

Don’t forget, your spirit vine is a climber! Bury two wooden stakes (up to a metre tall) deep into the soil on either side of the small sprout. These will serve as support for the winding growth of the vine. From this container, vines will eventually grow larger, but it can take several years for plants to gain substantial size.

READY-TO-USE BANISTERIOPSIS CAAPI

Growing your own Banisteriopsis caapi is an interesting horticultural endeavour. Some might grow just for the fun of it, while others may do it so they have a decent supply to make into tea.

The process will take some time, but if you’re getting impatient, there is something you can do about it: Purchase Banisteriopsis caapi in the Zamnesia shop, available in packs of 50g. This is a great way to enjoy Banisteriopsis caapi tea while you wait for your own supply to grow.

Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

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