One of the most colorful genus in the world, Sonerila contains species in every color under the rainbow; and this gorgeous understory shrub from Vietnam sports incredible patterning; a veritable constellation of intricate marbling across the new foliage almost akin to variegation. However, this pigmentation actually serves an important ecological function; the darker brown spots serve to mimic as decaying leaves, meant to ward off any herbivorous insects that would otherwise eat from the relatively slow growing plant. In captivity, Sonerila are very fickle as well; with a penchant for terrarium conditions-high humidity, lower light-and these lovely plants should not be grown without them. Cuttings can be taken as individual leaves, or as stem segments, both of which root quickly and usually produce new growth within 2 months.
