Marcgravia sp Azrael – Terrarium Plants

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Marcgravia sp Azrael is a beautiful and somewhat rare shingling vine, highly sought after for its dark green to purple, iridescent foliage. It’s often used in terrariums and vivariums due to its specific care requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of Marcgravia sp Azrael’s care:

1. Light:

• Low to medium indirect light is ideal. Mimic its natural habitat in the rainforest understory, where it receives bright but filtered light.
• Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the delicate leaves.
• Insufficient light can lead to slow growth. Grow lights can be used to supplement natural light, especially in winter.

2. Humidity:

• High humidity is crucial. This is perhaps the most important factor for ‘Azrael’ to thrive. Aim for above 70%, ideally 80-100%.
• It’s best grown in an enclosed environment like a terrarium or vivarium where humidity can be consistently maintained.
• If grown outside a terrarium, frequent misting and/or using a humidifier is essential to prevent leaves from drying out and becoming brittle.

3. Watering:

• Keep the soil or substrate consistently damp, but not waterlogged. This plant is sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Ensure the substrate doesn’t dry out completely between waterings.
• Water carefully to avoid saturating the leaves, as Marcgravia does not tolerate standing water on its foliage for long periods.
• Using a well-draining substrate that retains moisture, like sphagnum moss or an orchid mix, is recommended.

4. Temperature:

• Warm growing conditions are preferred. Maintain temperatures between 18∘C (64∘F) and 26∘C (79∘F).
• Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 15∘C (59∘F), as cold conditions can stunt growth and damage the foliage.

5. Substrate and Planting:

• Marcgravia sp. ‘Azrael’ thrives in well-draining, organically rich soil or substrate.
• For terrariums, a mix of peat, bark, and perlite, or primarily damp sphagnum moss, works well.
• As a shingling vine, it prefers a vertical surface to climb and root into (like a background or piece of driftwood). Ensure the underside of the plant is in contact with the damp substrate to encourage rooting.

6. Pruning:

• Pruning can be done in late winter to early spring to maintain its shape, encourage vigorous growth, and improve air circulation.
• Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out dense areas.

7. Propagation:

• Primarily done via stem cuttings.
• Take healthy stem segments with at least one node.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert into a moist, soilless medium (like sphagnum moss).
• Cover with plastic to maintain high humidity and place in warm, indirect light.

Key Considerations:

• Shingling Habit: As a shingling vine, it will naturally climb and its leaves will flatten against the surface it’s growing on.
• Mature Foliage: Immature leaves are typically small and round, with a dark green to maroon/bronze sheen. As the plant matures and climbs, it can produce larger, more pointed, triangular leaves while maintaining its coloration.
• Rare Species: ‘Azrael’ is considered a rarer Marcgravia species, making proper care even more important to ensure its health.

By providing consistent high humidity, appropriate lighting, and careful watering, your Marcgravia sp. ‘Azrael’ should thrive and showcase its unique beauty.