Callisia repens - Pink Lady

Overview: A beautiful creeping plant, Callisia repens is from Central America. The colorful, trailing vines of Callisia makes it an excellent addition in the terrarium. It is popular as Pink Lady as the leaves are stunningly attractive with pink-tinged foliage. Due to cascading growth pattern, it is often used in terrariums, hanging baskets also as ground cover. Also, it is a low maintenance plant, making it suitable for beginners who are trying to setup their terrarium for the first time.

Appearance: Callisia repens features small, oval shaped succulent leaves that are green in color in the initial stage. However, overtime and depending upon the intensity and duration of light, the foliage develops the shades of pink and purple. Bright, indirect light is the most suitable for achieving it. In terrariums, they grow, creating a mesmerizing cascading effect. Under suitable conditions it also produce small, delicate white and pink flowers.

Light requirements: For attaining the best shades of pink in Callisia repens, offer bright, indirect light to it. While less light will fade the hues of pink, bright direct light will scorch the leaves, leading to color loss. Keeping the terrarium near window where filtered sunlight comes will be the best spot.

Soil Requirements: Light, well-drained and slightly acidic soil is highly preferred for Callisia repens. You can use succulent soil mix for growing it in a terrarium or take regular potting soil, mixed with sand or perlite which improves the drainage. It is essential to avoid heavy and water retentive soil in terrariums as they will cause root rot.

Humidity: Environment with moderate to high humidity levels is loved by Callisia repens because it is a tropical plant. Generally, in terrariums humidity stays more due to enclosed glass container which is good for Callisia. During winters and in places where humidity is less, misting leaves occasionally is necessary to maintain humidity.  

Watering: Water moderately, keeping only 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. There should be proper drainage in the terrarium or else root rot may occur. However, if there is high humidity or the terrarium is sealed, water less frequently, only after checking the dryness of soil.

Air circulation: Proper air circulation will prevent mold and fungal issues; therefore, closed or sealed terrariums should be opened periodically to allow fresh air to circulate.

Trimming: Trim Callisia repens regularly to ensure it stays compact. It grows quickly and gets leggy, making trimming necessary. Remove the dead and yellow leaves to encourage fresh growth.

Other Requirements: If you are adding fertilizers, do it only in spring and summer which is the growing season of Callisia repens. Also, due to fast growing habit you may need to repot it in a new container after 1-2 years. Be sure to use fresh, well-draining soil and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage.