Habitat and Location:
Macleania insignis is a remarkable epiphytic shrub native to the cloud forests of Meso-America, found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Quatemala, and Panama. This tropical blueberry thrives in high-altitude tropical forests, typically at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters. It grows on tree branches with orchids or occasionally as a terrestrial plant in rich, mossy soils, where it benefits from high humidity, cool temperatures, and filtered light beneath the forest canopy.
Description:
Macleania insignis is celebrated for its stunning tubular flowers and ornamental multicoloured foliage. The new leaves are red and become green with age. A branch is often found with leaves looking like a rainbow of red, orange, yellow and green. The plant produces vibrant, pendulous blooms in shades of fiery red to orange, often tipped with white, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds. These striking flowers contrast beautifully with its glossy, dark green leaves, which are leathery and lance-shaped, giving the plant an elegant appearance. This particular clone is particular to the Monteverde national park area in Costa Rica’s north.
This plant is a favourite among collectors of epiphytic and tropical edible plants, the leaves alone add an exotic touch to greenhouses, terrariums, or shaded outdoor gardens (frost free months only.
Care Instructions:
Macleania insignis prefers bright, indirect light or dappled shade, mimicking its natural habitat. It thrives in well-draining, acidic soil or an epiphytic mix with added moss to retain moisture. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Humidity levels should be kept high (60-80%), and the plant appreciates occasional misting.
Maintain temperatures between 15-25°C, avoiding cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. To replicate its epiphytic growth habit, Macleania insignis can also be mounted on cork or tree fern with moss under its roots and lignotuber.
Specifications:
Plant Size: Medium-sized shrub, can eventually grow up to 1-2 meters in cultivation. Plants sold are 15-30 cm
Family: Ericaceae
Plant Passport: A Macleania insignis B 140084 c 11569 d GB
