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"Pterisanthes sp. Narrow" is a type of shingling vine in the Vitaceae family (grape family). It is often grown in terrariums or vivariums due to its need for a high-humidity environment. This plant is a favorite among collectors for its unique foliage, which is often described as elongated, narrow, and velvety, with a deep green or even a dark, shimmering black color.
Here is a care guide for Pterisanthes sp. Narrow:
Light:
Bright, filtered light is ideal. In its natural habitat, it would grow in the understory of tropical forests, receiving dappled sunlight.
Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate foliage and cause the leaves to lose their deep color. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet from a bright window works well.
Lower light will cause the plant to grow more slowly, but it can tolerate a surprising amount of shade.
Watering:
Keep the substrate or soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
This plant is sensitive to both drying out and sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
Ensure the pot or terrarium has excellent drainage.
Humidity:
High humidity (60% or more, with 80% being ideal) is crucial for this plant to thrive.
This is why it is often grown in a terrarium, where humidity can be easily controlled.
Low humidity can lead to crispy or dried-out leaves and make the plant more susceptible to pests.
Soil/Substrate:
Use an airy, well-draining, and moisture-retentive mix.
A blend of components like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir is a good choice.
If you are growing it as a shingling vine, you can provide a moss pole or a textured background for it to climb.
Temperature:
Maintain warm temperatures between 18-25°C (65-77°F).
Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops, which can stress it.
Other Tips:
Growth Habit: Pterisanthes sp. Narrow is a climbing liana. It will grow as a trailing vine if not given a support to climb, but providing a structure like a moss pole will encourage it to "shingle," or flatten its leaves against the surface, which is a desirable trait.
Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once a month to support its vigorous growth.
Toxicity: The toxicity of this plant is currently unknown, so it is best to treat it as potentially harmful and keep it away from pets and children.
