Monolena primuliflora ‘Smithsonian Pink’
This rare and fast growing tropical is perfect for indoor growers, or outdoors in mild climates. The base of the plant has a fat trunk known as a caudex, from which the foliage and bloom stems appear. Leaves are very glossy with a pattern of russet and dark green. Sprays of pale pink blooms make for a gorgeous show. Trim away old flower stems as they finish and wait for a repeat performance. Makes a great companion plant for most tropical orchids, indoors or out. This is the perfect plant for collector's of hard to find tropicals!
Growing Suggestions: We have found this species does best in medium to bright indirect light inside the greenhouses or dappled to heavy shade when grown outdoors. As plants mature, they tolerate from 60° to 85° F easily. We suggest a houseplant potting media that drains well, perhaps even with some added grit for drainage. Avoid wetting young or tender leaves with fertilizer, or allowing them to stay wet at night, this can start a fungus or rot problem. Media should be kept evenly moist especially as plants become root bound.
Good sized plants growing in 4" pots. These are seed grown and most already have a small caudex forming at the base of the plant. Beautiful foliage.