Marcgravia umbellata

Marcgravia umbellata is a climbing plant from the islands of the Lesser Antilles (Caribbean). As a young plant, it grows close to trees and can reach many meters in length. The leaves are initially reddish, then green, with a silvery-white margin and a white midrib.

Almost exclusively the juvenile form is known from terrariums, and it will never reach its adult form there. Once it reaches the crown of a tree, its appearance transforms, and it develops overhanging branches with very peculiar inflorescences reminiscent of a parasol (hence the name "umbella" = Latin for parasol). However, to undergo this transformation and flower, it must grow several meters tall, which is practically impossible to achieve in a terrarium. If it has grown against a background or branch and reached the top, it can simply be cut and the tip replanted below. Marcgravia are absolutely trouble-free to care for in a terrarium, provided they remain consistently slightly moist.



You will receive a well-rooted young plant in a 6cm pot.