Phyllagathis rajah

Phyllagathis rajah is a rare, tropical plant native to the Batu Enau region in Sarawak, Malaysia. It belongs to the Melastomataceae family, specifically the Sonerileae tribe. Known for its captivating foliage, Phyllagathis rajah is an herbaceous perennial that thrives in humid tropical environments.

Features:

• Leaves: The leaves are oval-shaped with fine hairs on the surface. The veins of the leaves are prominent and contrast sharply, creating a striking net-like pattern. The deep green and silver-white coloration on the leaves adds to the plant's beauty.

• Growth Habit: This species typically grows to a height of around 50 cm and has a short stem, with only a few leaves at the base, making it suitable for small-scale gardening or terrariums.

• Flowers: The flowers are white to pink with a yellow center, adding ornamental value to the plant.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can damage the delicate leaves.

• Humidity: Maintain high humidity, ideally between 70% and 90%, to mimic its natural rainforest habitat.

• Temperature: Keep temperatures between 22°C and 28°C (72°F to 82°F). This plant thrives in warm, tropical conditions.

• Soil: Use well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic material, such as peat moss or a peat-based mix.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but ensure it doesn’t become waterlogged. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot.