Habitat:
Sonerila maculata is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly found in Thailand, Laos, and parts of Vietnam. It grows terrestrially in shaded, humid evergreen forests at low to mid elevations, usually between 300 and 1200 metres. This species thrives on moist, moss-covered forest floors, often near streams or seepage zones where light is dappled and air humidity is consistently high. It is typically part of the understorey flora in primary and secondary forests with rich leaf litter and loamy soils.
Description:
Sonerila maculata is a small, compact terrestrial herb characterised by its striking foliage. It grows to about 30 cm tall and forms a basal rosette of ovate leaves that are 3–7 cm long and 2–4 cm wide. The leaves vary from green, white striped or spotted. The leaves on these plants are deep green to purplish, heavily marked with silver or white spots along the veins, and have a soft velvety texture. The plant produces a slender inflorescence that can reach 10–20 cm in height, bearing a few small, bright pink to magenta three-petaled flowers, each measuring about 1–1.5 cm in diameter. The sepals are narrow and pointed, while the petals are rounded. Its compact size and vividly spotted foliage make it a popular terrarium and understory plant. It is sometimes confused with Sonerila margaritacea, though the latter typically has finer spots and more elongated leaves.
Cultivation:
Sonerila maculata prefers warm, humid conditions with daytime temperatures between 22°C and 28°C and nighttime temperatures of 16°C to 20°C. It requires high humidity levels (above 75%) and low to medium light, ideally filtered or diffused. The plant thrives in a slightly acidic substrate (pH 5.5–6.5) composed of fine bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite or leaf litter. Keep the soil evenly moist using rainwater or distilled water, avoiding waterlogging. Ensure good airflow to prevent rot while maintaining humidity. Fertilise lightly once a month during active growth using a diluted balanced fertiliser (weeker than manufactorers guidelines).
Specifications:
Plant Size: Plants are circa 15 tall with several leaves. These are all the spotted variety
Plant Family: Melastomataceae
Plant Passport: Sonerila maculata B 140084 C 14181 D GB
