Callisia gentlei
Callisia gentlei
Gentle’s callisia
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Taxonomy
Family Commelinaceae · Genus Callisia
Description
Callisia gentlei is a fast-growing, trailing tropical that forms dense mats of lush foliage. It’s forgiving, roots readily from cuttings, and looks great spilling from hanging baskets or softening the edge of planters. Give it bright, indirect light and regular, light watering for an easy, rewarding plant.
Common Names
Gentle’s callisiaTrailing callisia
Context
nativeRegion
Mesoamerica (southern Mexico to Belize/Guatemala and nearby Central America).
usdaZones
9–11 (outdoors); commonly grown as a container houseplant elsewhere.
companionPlants
Tradescantia zebrina, Pilea involucrata, Peperomia obtusifolia, Fittonia albivenis, Philodendron hederaceum
culturalUses
Primarily ornamental as an easy-care trailing houseplant or tropical groundcover; useful for softening edges and hanging displays.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light is best; morning sun is fine if acclimated. Tolerates medium light but may grow leggy.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches of mix are dry. Keep evenly moist, never soggy; reduce slightly in winter.
SoilLight, fast-draining mix (e.g., 2 parts peat-free potting mix, 1 part perlite, optional fine bark). pH near neutral.
FertilizerFeed at half strength with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer; none or very light in winter.
HumidityAverage home humidity is fine; prefers 40–60%. Increase airflow to prevent fungal issues.
TemperatureIdeal 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid cold drafts; protect below ~55°F (13°C). Hardy outdoors in frost-free zones.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitTrailing, creeping, mat-forming herbaceous perennial.
Mature Size4–10 in (10–25 cm) tall; trails/spreads 12–24+ in (30–60+ cm).
Growth RateFast-growing under good light and warmth.
BloomingSmall, often white to pale blossoms in warm months; typically not the main ornamental feature.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cooler, darker months.
Propagation
MethodsStem tip cuttings, Division, Layering, Water propagation
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer (or year-round indoors with warmth and bright light).
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch or tip-prune to encourage branching and a fuller plant; rejuvenate by cutting back leggy stems in spring.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years or when rootbound; move up 1–2 inches in pot size and refresh mix annually.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids; overwatering can cause root rot and fungus gnats. Improve airflow to avoid botrytis.
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive pets or people—keep out of reach.
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