Yerba Maricao de Cueva, Cave Herb

At maturity, this species reaches approximately 12-18 inches tall, presenting Broad, ovate leaves with a velvety texture and variegated patterns along with Tubular flowers, typically red or orange, with a prominent corolla, followed by Small, capsule-type fruits containing tiny seeds. These features are supported by a reliable Fleshy, fibrous roots, ensuring stability and sustained growth.

Native to Endemic to the rainforest areas of Puerto Rico, Yerba Maricao de Cueva, Cave Herb thrives in Tropical rainforest, often found in dappled shade at elevations around 300-900 meters above sea level. Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zone 10-11. Whether grown indoor, in a curated garden or a more natural setting, its ecological requirements help maintain its vigor over time.

You can use our free plant identify app PlantPlants to chose the best spot for Yerba Maricao de Cueva, Cave Herb, This plant prefers Prefers partial shade to filtered light and flourishes in Well-draining, rich organic soil with a soil pH of about 5.5-6.5.

Yerba Maricao de Cueva, Cave Herb needs watering,Regular, keep moist but not waterlogged, guided by PlantPlants app, You can get plants daily watering schedule. to maintain Moderate to high moisture, ensure steady hydration. Applying water through Top watering or bottom watering to avoid leaf rot supports even distribution and helps prevent overwatering or dryness.

Yerba Maricao de Cueva, Cave Herb performs best within 65 F to 85 F (18 C to 30 C). Its ideal growth occurs at around 75 F (24 C), though it tolerates ranges from 50 F to 95 F (10 C to 35 C). Additionally, maintaining High humidity (60% or greater) encourages healthy foliage and overall plant vigor.

Feeding with Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at the recommended Seasonal Application Frequency on PlantPlants App keeps nutrients balanced. Incorporating Compost; well-decomposed leaf mold enhances soil structure and fertility, while staying alert to Yellowing leaves, stunted growth helps you adjust care as needed to maintain optimal plant health.

Regular attention ensures this plant’s beauty and longevity. Early spring for Pinching back dead or overgrown stems tidies its appearance, while Every 1-2 years, or when pot-bound may be necessary as it grows, requiring a 1-2 inches in diameter increase and a fresh Equal parts potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. for Staking or Support. Minimal support; may require staking in windy locations.

During Minimal dormancy, active growth year-round with decreased growth in cooler months, growth may slow and some Possible leaf drop in extreme cold or drought conditions can occur. For those looking to propagate, consider Division or stem cuttings and provide Warm temperatures (70-80 F) and high humidity when starting from seed. If using cuttings, follow Use 3-4 inch cuttings placed in water or moist soil, maintaining high humidity until roots develop to ensure successful rooting and healthy new plants.

our free plant identify and care app PlantPlants can help you diagnosisYerba Maricao de Cueva, Cave Herb problems.Though generally robust, keep watch for Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and remain vigilant against Leaf spot, root rot. Implementing Regular inspection, maintaining good airflow and humidity levels and applying Insecticidal soap for pests; improving drainage for root rot when issues arise will help sustain the plant thriving.

This plant pairs nicely with Other shade-loving plants such as ferns and hostas and shows N/A, making it a flexible choice for various Ground cover in shaded garden beds, tropical gardens.

the Edible Parts: None. Toxicty of Yerba Maricao de Cueva, Cave Herb, Non-toxic. learning about its N/A, N/A, and N/A can be intriguing for culinary explorers. Some traditions highlight its Traditionally used in local herbal remedies for minor ailments or note its Important part of local biodiversity and culture in Puerto Rico.

With an Not evaluated, proper Habitat preservation efforts in tropical regions