Species: Triolena pileoides
Common name(s):
Native to: Ecuador
Temperature preferences: Warm to cool growing
Water preferences: Medium to high moisture
Terrestrial or Epiphytic: Terrestrial
General Information and Care: Triolena pileoides is a relatively new species to be used in terrariums in the United States, however it is already really making a name for itself. The color and texture that it offers is not rivaled by very many other species currently available in the US. This species seems to tend to form a small bush as it grows. It has beautiful dark purple leaves that typically are not more than 1cm in length and less than a 1/2cm in width. Additionally, the leaf margins tend to be slightly serrated giving it even more character in a terrarium. Triolena pileoides flowers on and off throughout the year for us in a terrarium with clusters of small white flowers at the growing point of each branch. Like with many other Melastomes though, the flowers are very short lived so do not miss them! Overall an easy to grow plant that can really be a great focal point in a terrarium or vivarium!
Glass Box Tropicals Plant Care Rating: 5
Shipped Size: Tip cutting with at least two growth points.
