Name: Ardisia sp. black [non-exact]
Brand: Sunshine State Foliage
SKU: ARD-BLAC-NEX-02
Price: 37.50 USD
Availability: InStock

Home / All Plants (Excluding Marcgravia) / Ardisia sp. black [non-exact]

Ardisia sp. black [non-exact]

GenusArdisiaRegionCentral America & CaribbeanPlant GroupOtherGrowth HabitUprightSetupTerrariumDifficultyIntermediate

Care information

This is one of the hardier plants I've worked with. The foliage is fairly succulent and tough, and the plant is resistant to swings in humidity. I've even grown it as a houseplant experimentally here in Florida (40-50%RH).

The foliage is a beautiful dark color with a texture that reminds me of beetle carapaces. Distinct species from the Ardisia sp round leaf that I offer.

Plant Details

Airflow: Medium — Essential for "wetish" setups. Needs regular air exchange or internal circulation fans to prevent water from sitting on leaves, which helps avoid rot and fungal issues.
Family: Primulaceae
Growth strategy: Terrestrial
Humidity: 60–80% — Suitable for "open-top" or partially ventilated terrariums. While higher than average household humidity, these plants are adaptable and less prone to leaf melt if the environment fluctuates slightly.
Lighting: Moderate — Prefers bright, filtered, or indirect light. This is the "sweet spot" for most terrarium species; however, direct sun or high-intensity LEDs will scorch delicate juvenile leaves.
PH: 5.5–6.5 — Acidic (Optimal): The “Goldilocks” zone for most tropical terrarium plants, including Marcgravia. This range ensures maximum nutrient availability and mimics the natural decomposition of leaf litter on the rainforest floor.
Sales form: Rooted
Size: Medium
Temperature: 65–75°F — Ideal for "Cool-Growers" or highland species. These plants prefer the lower end of the tropical spectrum and may show signs of stress or heat-dropping leaves if temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.
Watering substrate: Damp — These plants love high moisture levels; the substrate should stay wet to the touch at all times but should not be sitting in a stagnant, waterlogged state.
World: Pantropical — Found naturally across the tropics of both hemispheres; not restricted to one. Either widely distributed by nature or so ancient they predate the continental split