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This is a rare look at Colletogyne perrieri, an unusual, dwarf Aroid from rainforests of Madagascar. It makes an attractive spathe that is spotted, which is uncommon for Aroids, plus it has great-looking, heart-shaped foliage that is glossy and ribbed. This is an endangered species found only in a small section of northern Madagascar. Despite being hard to find, i've found it to be very easy to grow. Even if you have too many plants, it will be easy to find space for this compact beauty. This is the only species in the genus Colletogyne. It usually just makes 1 or 2 leaves, but the tuber multiplies readily, so you'll have a pot full of foliage fairly quickly. Each leaf grows to about 10 inches tall and 7 inches long, but sometimes it gets larger. It tends to make 2 or 3 inflorescences that appear alongside the leaf, and they get about 4 to 6 inches tall. Both the spathe and spadix have lovely burgundy spots. The spathe is unscented, and it closes at night. It grows well in warmer indoor conditions. Keep it above 55⁰F (13⁰C), and preferably above the low 60s (17⁰C). This forest plant enjoys bright, filtered light. It can handle weaker sun, but it might need some protection from strong sun. It grows great in a 3 to 4 inch pot, in a well-draining soil mix. A typical mix is about 3 parts potting soil to 2 parts perlite. Keep the mix evenly moist during the growing season, and almost-dry while the tuber is dormant, which is about 6 months. Over about 40% humidity is best. I've found it to be rarely bothered by pests.
Photo #1 used with permission of Pawel Ryszawa
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