Sonerila margaritacea
A tropical, evergreen perennial to 25cm tall, with 4-angled stems. Glossy, dark green leaves are held on purple-red leaf stalks, and have pearlescent white spots on the upper surface, and purple veins beneath. From summer to autumn it produces purple-pink, 3-petalled flowers in clusters at the shoot tips
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green White | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple | Green White | ||
| Winter | Green White |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Melastomataceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- Burma to Indonesia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in shallow pans of standard houseplant compost with added fine-grade, granulated bark, in bright filtered light. Maintain steady temperatures and high humidity to prevent leaf drop. When in growth, water moderately and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out shoots regularly to maintain bushiness
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.