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Callisia repens
Place in a sunny position or in partial shade.
Water regularly throughout the year.
Reportedly can tolerate short periods of -12.2 °C. However, the plant is not hardy.
The plant can be grown as an overhanging plant in hanging containers, in terrariums or as a houseplant. It is suitable for the living room or office.
Callisia repens is sometimes also known as Turtle Vine. It is native mainly to Texas, Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies. Here it grows in subtropical forests that transition smoothly into the tropical belt. It chooses habitats with rocky and gravelly substrate in shady corners.
The smooth, dark green leaves have fine purple dots on their surface and the entire underside is tinged with purple. Hence the plant's nickname. The heart-shaped leaves grow in 2 rows and grow up to 4 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The overhanging stems grow to about 25 cm and root on contact with the substrate. The plant branches profusely and forms dense mats.
The small flowers turn white and bloom during the summer.
Callisia repens likes room temperatures and is not too demanding to grow. It can be lightly fertilised at will and is happy with dew. If placed in a sunny location, care should be taken to avoid burning the leaves in the first strong sun in spring. Otherwise, Turtle Vine is an atypical overhanging plant that is suitable for creating mats or growing in hanging containers. It delights with its atypical colours and densely branched growth.