Species: Marcgravia sp. Ecuador #9
Common name(s):
Native to: Ecuador
Temperature preferences: Cool to warm growing
Water preferences: High to medium moisture
Terrestrial or Epiphytic: Epiphytic
General Information and Care: Marcgravia sp. Ecuador #9 is another new species from Ecuador that Glass Box Tropicals has imported recently. This species is often compared to Marcgravia umbellata though in our opinion it shows many many differences. The foliage is what really makes this species stand apart from many others. Each leaf has amazing white venation that stays obvious on the foliage evan as the plant matures. This is an excellent shingling species as well and loves to have something to climb. The leaves are typically very close to each other adding to the amazing coloration it can provide in a terrarium.
As with all of the other Marcgravias that Glass Box Tropicals offers, this is considered to be a shingling type of plant. Shingling plants are vines that are prone to climb up towards the light. The leaves, many times, almost appear to form themselves to the surface that they are growing on. This is true whether it is your background or a piece of driftwood. Also, it should be noted that no Marcgravias seem to like water sitting on their leaves for long periods of time.
Marcgravias are found throughout Central and South America, as well as in the Caribbean. In their natural habitat, they are typically found growing up tree trunks in the rainforest. Before flowering, Marcgravias send out lateral branches with mature foliage (mature foliage differs from the typical foliage customers will see in their terrarium and in the pictures provided). It is these lateral branches that the plant will then bloom from.
Glass Box Tropicals Plant Care Rating: 6
Shipped Size: 6-8 leaf tip cutting
