Marcgravia umbellata: Small climbing plant for terrarium

When young, it grows tightly attached to trees and can grow several meters long. In terrariums, you almost only see this juvenile form, the plant will never reach its adult form there.

In nature, the appearance changes completely when the plant reaches the treetops, developing overhanging branches with strange inflorescences that resemble parasols.

Botanical description

Marcgravia umbellata is a climbing plant from the Lesser Antilles islands in the Caribbean. The leaves are initially reddish in color, then turn green with silvery white edges and a white midrib. This pattern makes the plant very decorative.

When young, it grows tightly attached to the background and branches of the terrarium. When it reaches the top, you can simply cut it off and replant the top at the bottom.

Marcgravia rarely branches on its own, but if it gets too long, you can simply cut it back and root new sections for replanting, giving you a denser look over time.

Care

Humidity : Should always be slightly moist. Young plants like constantly moist conditions.

Light : Needs plenty of light but not direct sunlight.

Support : Must have a permanent, slightly moist support to attach to in order to thrive. Fern slabs, cork branches, or just a piece of untreated wood or bark in the terrarium works well.

Growth : Grows quite quickly once it starts climbing.

Fertilization : Fertilize with regular houseplant fertilizer about every two weeks.

Marcgravia is very easy to care for in a terrarium as long as it is kept slightly moist. Buy Marcgravia umbellata online!