Species: Marcgravia umbellata
Common name(s): Shingling Vine, Marcgravia
Native to: Lesser Antilles - Caribbean
Temperature preferences: Warm growing
Water preferences: Medium moisture
Terrestrial or Epiphytic: Terrestrial
General Information and Care: Marcgravia umbellata is another highly sought after species that Glass Box Tropicals is proud to offer. The foliage is really what sets this species apart with its' beautiful white markings. Many times, the young foliage may be a pinkish color that quickly turns green. Under good lighting, it will show even more white markings. Even in low light, they may only show white markings down the midrib and around the edges. This is another species that can be somewhat finicky about conditions so very few cuttings are offered each year.
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. Should be rooted in moist long fiber sphagnum moss.
