Paederia lanuginosa CHEESE PLANT (plant)

The Cheese Plant, also known as Vegetable Cheese, Camembert-tasting plant, or Paederia lanuginosa in Latin, is an exotic perennial climbing plant native to Asia, belonging to the Rubiaceae family.
Commonly known as Mo-Long, this fast-growing vine can reach several meters in height in just one year.
It climbs by twining itself around fences, trees, and any other available supports.

The leaves are smooth, heart-shaped, green on top and purple underneath.
They are generally arranged oppositely along the stem. The leaves vary in size, typically measuring between 5 and 15 centimeters in length. When crushed, they release a distinct aroma of Camembert cheese.

Cheese plant seeds are black, round, and measure about 5 millimeters in diameter.
Its small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in dense clusters during the summer. They range in color from pale pink to dark purple.
The blossoms emit a pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

- Uses:

A Gastronomic Curiosity

This vine surprises with its singular foliage scent reminiscent of cheese, an audacious aromatic signature highly sought after in traditional Asian cuisine.
The leaves can be blanched for stir-fries or used as a bold garnish, providing a unique flavor profile for adventurous palates seeking new discoveries.

Vigorous Growth

A particularly dynamic climbing plant, it thrives in warm environments where it displays rapid and spectacular development.
Its hardiness makes it an ideal choice for quickly covering structures, requiring minimal maintenance while offering a dense, lush presence.

Culinary Expertise

Handling its leaves requires a bit of culinary practice to tame its powerful aroma and fully harness its unique flavor potential.
It is an essential collector's plant for curious gardeners wishing to explore lesser-known flavors and global botanical curiosities.

- Cultivation and Planting:

• Plant the base of the cheese plant just above the root collar in a 5-liter pot using high-quality horticultural soil rich in organic matter.
• Be sure to drain the bottom of the pot with clay pebbles.
• Lightly press the soil at the base with your fingers and water the plant copiously upon planting.
• Place it in a very bright location.
• For planting in the ground, dig a hole 20 cm wide, fill it with potting soil, and then plant the root system.

- Soil type / Substrate:

It thrives in fertile soil rich in organic matter. Use a mix of 50% potting soil, 30% compost, and 20% sand.

- Exposure / Light:

Paederia prefers partial shade or a very bright location rather than direct full sun.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

The vegetable cheese plant is not hardy; it freezes as soon as temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius.
If the frost is light, it may regrow from the root system. Its USDA hardiness zone is 9. For ideal development, temperatures should be between 20 and 35°C.

- Watering:

This surprising climber requires a lot of water to grow well; watering every three days is recommended during the summer. In winter, water once every 15 days

- Multiplication / Propagation:

Mo-Long is propagated by seeds but also by stem cuttings toward the end of spring.

- Pests / Predators:

It occasionally attracts whiteflies.

- Maintenance:

Due to its great vigor, it is necessary to prune the plant throughout the year to keep it contained. Pruning also helps the plant to branch out.

This article was written by Julien on 07/17/2026.