Hemiboea bicornuta is a somewhat rare gesneriad that was gifted to us to try out. A native of Taiwan, reportedly from damp mountain slopes, it has proven forgiving and somewhat vigorous in culture. This is a potentially larger plant, which will reportedly reach heights of anywhere from 6 to 18 inches, and may also spread rhizomatously along the ground. Noted for unusual, tubular flowers that are white with purple spots.
General Care Information
A resident of forests and shady streamsides, it should be no surprise that this plant does not require particularly strong lighting, and appreciates good humidity and moisture. We have yet to flower this in our care. Leaves are relatively soft and can reach sizes of up to 8 inches in length and 2″ in width. Stems have a splashing of purple spots.
This plant has been seen as a garden offering in the UK. A related species, Hemiboea subcapitata, also called False Sinningia, has been catching the attention of more gardeners as well as a possible semi-hardy option for the garden. Based on available information, there could be a period of dormancy seasonally, although we haven’t noticed it with H. bicornuta so far.
About MiniWaters Vivarium Plants
Any plant whose cultivation condition is denoted as “sanitized” has been put through MiniWater’s bleach treatment and have been held in animal-free conditions following this treatment. While we do not guarantee our plants to be disease and pest free, we believe we are offering the lowest-risk plants possible. We encourage all customers to sanitize any plants they purchase from us, or any other vendor or hobbyist, prior to their use with your animals.
Visit www.MiniWaters.fish/vivplants for further details about how we grow our plants animal-free with organic methodologies while integrated pest management protocols, as well as detailed instructions for our bleach-sanitizing process.