Goeppertia lietzei (Goeppertia lietzei)
Goeppertia lietzei is reported to be a clumping, compact herbaceous foliage plant. It is reported to be an evergreen herbaceous perennial.
Overview
Goeppertia lietzei is reported to be a clumping, compact herbaceous foliage plant. It is reported to be an evergreen herbaceous perennial.
Origin and habitat
Goeppertia lietzei is native to eastern Brazil, with records specifically placing it in northeastern and southeastern Brazil. In introduced East Kalimantan, Indonesia, it is reported to grow in disturbed forest; the source does not specifically describe its native Brazilian habitat. It is reported to suit tropical environments with high humidity and consistently warm conditions and not to tolerate frost.
Characteristics
Sources are few, but mature height is reported to be about 30.48–60.96 cm and mature spread about 30.48–40.64 cm. The simple, elongated oval leaves are thick and nearly leathery with wavy margins; the species has dark green leaves with light green stripes extending from the midrib to the margins, while 'Stella' has light green and white mottling with dark green margins, and its leaves rise at night and unfold after sunrise. The small, tubular flowers are greenish white to white and are borne in inflorescences composed of multiple bracts; flowering is uncommon when the plant is grown indoors. Flowering is reported from late spring through summer.
Light
Bright, indirect light to partial shade is generally suitable, while strong direct sunlight should be avoided as the main light source; insufficient light may cause the leaf color to fade.
Watering
The growing medium is generally kept consistently moist but well drained, and filtered or distilled water is recommended to reduce the risk of fluoride in tap water causing brown leaf tips or margins. Overwatering may cause root rot, while insufficient water may cause the leaves to curl.
Humidity and airflow
Sources are few, but suitable humidity is reported to be about 60–100 %.
Temperature and dormancy
The plant is reported for USDA hardiness zones in the cited source.
Growing medium and mounting
A moist, well-drained potting medium is generally used and may contain perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage; the source lists loamy soil texture and an acidic to neutral pH.
Propagation
Propagation is reported to be by division.
Common problems
Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects are reported as possible pests. Overwatering may cause root rot, while frequently wet leaves combined with inadequate airflow may increase the chance of fungal or bacterial infection. Low humidity or fluoride in tap water may cause brown leaf tips and margins; insufficient water or low humidity may cause curled leaves, and insufficient light may fade vivid leaf coloration. The plant is reported not to tolerate frost, and cold drafts and sudden temperature changes should be avoided.
Identification
'Stella' is reported to have a compact habit, violet petioles or stem-like structures, and leaves mottled light green and white with dark green margins.
Photos
