Bertolonia maculata is a captivating perennial known for its strikingly patterned foliage. Often called “jewel plant,” it features velvety, dark green leaves adorned with vibrant, contrasting spots or stripes. Markings range from pale green, silvery-green, white, pink, red, or silver, creating a jewel-like appearance. Native to Brazil’s tropical rainforests, this low-growing species thrives in specific conditions, making it popular for terrariums and specialized indoor plant collections.
Bertolonia Maculata Care
Light Requirements
Bertolonia maculata requires bright, indirect light or dappled light to maintain leaf coloration. Placing it near an east or north-facing window, or setting it back from a brighter window, provides suitable illumination. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the plant’s delicate leaves.
Watering Needs
Maintaining consistent soil moisture is important for Bertolonia maculata. The soil should be kept continuously moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Check the soil frequently, allowing the very top layer to dry out slightly during the dormant winter months. To avoid fungal problems like gray rot and powdery mildew, avoid getting water on the leaves; bottom watering is a recommended technique.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity, ideally between 70% and 85%, is essential for Bertolonia maculata. Optimal temperatures range from 18 to 27 degrees Celsius (64 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, and should not drop below 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Avoid cold drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations. Its need for consistent warmth and high humidity makes it ideal for enclosed environments like terrariums or plant cases.
Soil and Fertilization
Bertolonia maculata prefers a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. A suitable blend uses equal parts peat moss or coco coir, leaf mold, and coarse sand or perlite. Alternatively, a commercial peat-free African Violet mix is also effective. During the active growing season from spring through summer, fertilize the plant monthly using a dilute liquid houseplant food. Fertilize sparingly, at half the recommended strength, to prevent nutrient burn.
Repotting
Due to its slow growth habit, Bertolonia maculata does not require frequent repotting. It prefers to be slightly root-bound. Repotting is necessary only when the plant’s stems begin to hang significantly over the pot’s edge and no longer make contact with the soil. If repotting is needed, do so in the spring, carefully transferring the plant to a pot only slightly larger than its current one. Gentle handling minimizes stress.
Propagating Bertolonia Maculata
Bertolonia maculata can be propagated successfully using both stem and leaf cuttings. Stem cuttings are more common and yield quicker results. For a stem cutting, select a healthy, non-flowering stem with at least two leaf nodes. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node using a sharp, sterilized knife or pruners; do not crush the stem.
Prepare a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat moss and perlite. Gently insert the prepared stem cutting into the medium, making sure the bottom leaf node is buried. To create a humid environment for rooting, cover the cutting with a plastic bag or clear dome. Maintain consistent moisture in the medium without making it soggy, and place the cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light; roots appear within several weeks.
Leaf cuttings offer an alternative, though slower, propagation method. Choose a mature, healthy leaf with a short stalk. Carefully remove the leaf, keeping a small portion of the stalk attached. Lay the prepared leaf cutting flat on a humid, moss-based medium. Provide consistent humidity and bright, indirect light to encourage new growth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Despite its beauty, Bertolonia maculata presents challenges. Browning leaf edges or crispy foliage indicate inconsistent watering, low humidity, or too much direct light. Adjusting watering frequency for consistent moisture, increasing ambient humidity, and moving the plant to indirect light resolves these issues. If the leaf color appears faded, it points to excessive light exposure; relocating the plant to a shadier spot will restore its vibrant coloration.
Wilting can be a symptom of either overwatering or severe underwatering. Check the soil moisture level carefully; if it is soggy, allow the soil to dry out before watering again, and consider repotting if root rot is suspected. If the soil is dry, a thorough watering revives the plant. Bertolonia maculata is susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs; these can be treated with neem oil or a mild insecticidal soap.
Fungal problems such as powdery mildew or gray rot occur if leaves are consistently wet or air circulation is insufficient. To prevent these issues, avoid wetting foliage, especially when watering, and ensure good airflow. If mildew appears, a solution of one tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 20 ounces of distilled water can be sprayed daily for three days on affected areas.