Home / All Plants (Excluding Marcgravia) / Columnea spathulata [cutting]
Columnea spathulata [cutting]
GenusColumneaRegionSouth AmericaPlant GroupGesneriadsGrowth HabitClimber / VineSetupTerrariumDifficultyIntermediate
$16.50 $22.00 Save 25%
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Care information

*Columnea spathulata* is a trailing gesneriad from Central and South America with striking foliage and flowers. The leaves are green on top, while the undersides show irregular red splotches that stand out even when the plant is not flowering. Stems trail and cascade as they mature, eventually producing tubular blooms typical of the genus. Its colorful leaf undersides and compact trailing habit make it a good choice for hanging baskets, terrariums, or greenhouse culture.

You will receive an **unrooted cutting**, grower’s choice. It will be similar in size and form to the one pictured but not the exact plant. Shipped bare-root or in moss depending on conditions.

**Light Requirements:** Bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sun.
**Humidity Requirements:** Moderate to high, 60–85%. Thrives in terrarium or greenhouse setups.
**Temperature Range:** 65–85°F (18–29°C). Keep above 60°F (16°C).
**Growth Habit:** Trailing gesneriad with green leaves above and red-splotched undersides; produces tubular flowers when mature.
**Soil:** Moist, well-draining gesneriad or tropical mix with added perlite.
**pH:** Slightly acidic, 5.5–6.5.
**Size:** Leaves 3–7 cm long; stems trail extensively with growth.

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
Gesneriaceae
Growth strategy
Epiphyte
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
Bright — Requires high-output lighting to maintain vivid color expression (especially for reds, purples, and variegation) and to ensure shingling habits stay tight and compact.
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
Cutting
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
New World — Native to the Western Hemisphere: North, Central, and South America plus the Caribbean