Plant species: Dioscorea sp. Borneo (not yet described)

Plant genus: Dioscorea

Plant family: Dioscoreaceae

Plant origin: Borneo

Soil drainage: Moist and well-drained, nutrient-rich. We recommend a denser substrate mix composed of peat, perlite, and vermiculite. The substrate should not be allowed to dry out between waterings.

Soil pH: Acidic

Fertilizers: For proper growth, the plant needs to be fertilized biweekly during the active growth period. We recommend diluting the fertilizer, especially if using a chemical one. For organic fertilizer, we suggest dilution and administering it with each watering.

Air humidity: As this species is endemic to the warm, humid climate of the island, it needs a higher ambient air humidity (over 55-60%).

Green Mirrors recommends keeping the plant in optimal conditions to prevent leaf melt. It can be placed in a terrarium, display case, or under a glass dome to avoid fluctuations in temperature and humidity. It can also acclimate in a room with humidity above 65%.

Temperature: 18-28°C

Light: Plenty of indirect light, though it can tolerate a few hours of direct light.

Height (including pot): 15-20 cm

Pot diameter: 7x7 cm

Also known as Dioscorea spec. 'Long Leaf', this is a vine-like plant species native to the Indonesian province of Kalimantan Barat (abbreviated “Kalbar”), located in southwestern Borneo.

It is characterized by very narrow and elongated leaves. On mature plants, these leaves have a silvery coloration on the upper side and form small “ears.” The leaves grow up to approximately 20 cm in length and about 5 cm in width at the widest point. Due to its growth pattern, it is easy to integrate into terrariums, as it is a non-invasive species.

Fun fact: The Dioscoreaceae genus was named in honor of Pedanios Dioscorides, a physician and botanist who lived in the 1st century AD.

Good luck with your plant care! And don't forget to give us updates on your plant by using the hashtag #greenmirrors and tagging @green.mirrors in your Instagram posts! We promise to share them in our stories.

Tags: Dioscorea, Dioscorea sp. Borneo, Dioscoreaceae, Dioscorea spec. 'Long Leaf', rare plants, unusual plants, decorative foliage plants, trailing plants, air-purifying plants, indoor decorative plants, terrarium plants