Elatostema sp. Thailand (Surat Thani)

Elatostema belong to the nettle family (Urticaceae), but don't worry, they don't sting. This unidentified species from the Thai province of Surat Thani grows naturally on limestone cliffs (lithophytic) in the deep shade of rainforests. In a terrarium, it grows as a ground cover or climbs, albeit rather slowly. The dark green leaves are surprisingly tough and speckled with white. The flower heads are formed on short stems and look like an X-shaped head of broccoli. Very bizarre.

It is easy to care for in a terrarium as long as it is not kept too moist, but it grows slowly.



You will receive a plant approximately 20cm tall in a 9cm pot. Unfortunately, the leaves are usually not quite perfect, with some minor damage.