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"Marcgravia sp. 'Azrael'" is a captivating and rare shingling vine, highly prized by plant collectors for its unique growth habit and stunning iridescent foliage. Due to its specific environmental needs, it is best grown in a controlled environment like a terrarium or vivarium.
Here is a detailed care guide for Marcgravia sp. 'Azrael':
Light:
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Replicate its natural habitat on the rainforest floor where it receives dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.
Direct sunlight is a major no-no. It will quickly burn and damage the delicate leaves.
In lower light conditions, the plant will grow more slowly, and its vibrant maroon or bronze coloration may fade to a darker green.
Humidity:
This is the most crucial factor for this plant's health. It requires very high humidity, ideally 80% or more.
For this reason, it is almost exclusively grown in enclosed environments like terrariums, vivariums, or under a glass cloche.
If you try to grow it in a regular home environment, you will need a high-quality humidifier to keep the air moist. Misting is generally not sufficient and can sometimes promote fungal issues.
Watering:
Keep the substrate or soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water when the top layer of the substrate feels slightly dry to the touch.
It is vital to ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Using a porous, well-aerated substrate is key.
Be careful to avoid getting water on the leaves for extended periods, as this can lead to rot or fungal problems.
Substrate and Planting:
Marcgravia 'Azrael' is a shingling vine that will naturally climb and its leaves will flatten against the surface it's growing on.
It's often grown on a vertical surface like a piece of cork bark, driftwood, or a textured background within a terrarium.
If you are potting it, use a very well-draining, airy mix. A blend of long-fiber sphagnum moss, perlite, and orchid bark is an excellent choice. The rhizome should not be buried.
Temperature:
This tropical plant thrives in warm, stable conditions, with a preferred temperature range of 18-26°C (65-79°F).
It is very sensitive to cold temperatures and should not be exposed to anything below 15°C (59°F).
Propagation:
Propagation is most successful via stem cuttings.
Take a healthy cutting with at least one or two nodes.
Place the cutting on a damp substrate (like sphagnum moss) and ensure it's in a high-humidity environment to encourage rooting.
Key Characteristics:
Juvenile vs. Mature Foliage: The young leaves are small, round, and have a stunning maroon to bronze sheen. As the plant matures and climbs, the leaves can become larger, more pointed, and transition to a darker green or purple, while maintaining their iridescence.
Shingling Habit: This is a defining feature of the plant. The leaves will lie flat against the surface they are climbing, creating a beautiful "shingled" effect.
