Species: Marcgravia sp. 'Puerto Rico'
Common name(s):
Native to: Puerto Rico
Temperature preferences: Cool to warm growing
Water preferences: High to medium moisture
Terrestrial or Epiphytic: Epiphytic
General Information and Care: Marcgravia sp. 'Puerto Rico' is a very simple but elegant choice for a terrarium. This species has bright green foliage that can really stand out in a well landscape terrarium. The leaves on this species even when immature are much larger than many other species we offer. Typically within the first few inches of the growth tip, the leaves are already over 1" in length. When compared to others like Marcgravia rectiflora or Marcgravia umbellata, this really makes this species stand out and get noticed. In our experience this is also one of the easier growing species and great for someone just starting to get into Marcgravias.
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: 4
Shipped Size: 6-8 leaf tip cutting
