Nertera granadensis care guide

We present the Nertera granadensis , also called water uvita, coralito or marble plant, we are facing an ideal plant for small spaces thanks to its low stem and condensation of its aerial part. It does not expand much but the fruits give color and dynamism, so do not hesitate to get one.

WHERE DOES NERTERA GRANADENSIS COME FROM ?

The Nertera species is native to Central and South America. It was described in Colombia. Hence the name granadensis, alluding to New Granada, the colonial name that this country received in its day. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family , like coffee. If you look at the coffee tree fruits and their plant density, you will notice the similarity between the two (see next photo). The granadensis Nertera is a plant statured, Creeping natural, leafy environments by condensation of leaves and fruits, which maintained as houseplantjumps out in any corner. What makes this plant special is the large number of berries that can set in a pot and can even cover the plant, leaving hardly any space for the leaves.

Fruits of the Coffee tree maturing.
Source: Wikipedia.org

HOW TO CARE FOR A NERTERA GRANADENSIS

Just as other plants are a bit more laborious to care for, here we bring you one with a moderate level of care. We only have one drawback, winter. Now we will see why.

TEMPERATURES

It is a plant that grows well in a wide range of medium-low temperatures. From 12ºC to 23ºC we have more than enough margin to adapt it at home without problems. The only downside is winter. It needs to grow at a temperature of about 12ºC so if you have it as an indoor plant or lower the temperature of the house, which I doubt, or you will have to find a location for it (covered terraces etc). This is one of the reasons why it is not widely known and used in the home. It is usually seasonal for this reason.

LIGHT

Like the vast majority of indoor plants, direct sun is not suitable but high indirect exposure is. It tolerates shady environments so we have more possibilities of locating it in different places inside the house without having difficulties due to lack of light, for example

SUBSTRATUM

Nothing heavy. It has to be sandy, or at least with very good drainage and aeration capacity.

IRRIGATION

Immersion irrigation is the most suitable . If we prefer classic watering, never water the aerial part. Water directly on the substrate. We will be careful with limestone waters. If you live in the east, for example, you either decalcify the water or you don’t think of great results. Be careful, it still holds, everything is testing Let the substrate dry slightly between waterings to establish the frequency. In the summer months you will see that you will have to increase the time between waterings.

You can fertilize if you wish every 3 weeks, from flowering until the complete formation of the fruits.

Berries of Nertera granadensis
Source: socwall.com

REPRODUCTION OF NERTERA GRANADENSIS

Although we can do a multiplication by seeds (you will not miss it with the amount of fruits it develops), the truth is that the simplest thing is the cutting or the division of the plant. By separating the plant in two, taking care not to damage it too much, we transplanted the two parts into new containers with new substrates.

LAST TIPS

  • If the leaves turn ugly and black, it is very possible that they are getting wet from watering.
  • It is a plant that gets used to a place very well and does not like to be moved continuously. When it is adapted to certain conditions, do not be surprised if you move it around and see it a little worse over time.
  • You can use a plate with wet pebbles to add a slightly more humid environment. It will be good for you.

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