An upright tropical shrub with opposite, lanceolate leaves featuring an acuminate apex, cuneate base, serrated margins, and a deeply impressed reticulate venation with a strongly defined midrib and prominent secondary veins. The lamina has a distinctive metallic, iridescent surface texture that shifts in appearance depending on the angle of light, giving each leaf a jewel-like quality.
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Light: Bright indirect light with 30–50% shade cloth; adequate brightness intensifies the iridescent surface texture, while direct sun can bleach and scorch the delicate lamina.
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Temperature: 60–82°F (16–28°C); thrives as a warm to intermediate grower with stable conditions and protection from cold drafts below 55°F (13°C).
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Humidity: 55–75%; moderate to high humidity supports vigorous branching and preserves the metallic sheen of the leaf surface.
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Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of substrate dries; avoid prolonged waterlogging, but do not allow the plant to wilt, as drought stress causes permanent leaf damage.
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Growth Habit: Freely branching, upright shrub that produces a dense flush of iridescent foliage along erect stems. Best grown as a compact specimen with occasional pinching to encourage bushy growth and maximize the ornamental impact of its textured, light-catching leaves.
Additional Notes
Plant in a well-draining mix of potting soil, perlite, and coco coir. Shipped bare root, well-established.