Geophila repens is a creeping, evergreen herbaceous plant with small opposite leaves and prostrate stems that root at the nodes. It spreads along the surface of the soil, forming a dense mat of foliage. The leaves are ovate to round, typically hairy underneath, and attached by short petioles. This species produces small white flowers at the leaf axils, followed by bright red or orange berries. It is well-suited to environments with stable moisture and low light.
Native to:
Geophila repens is pantropical, occurring in tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and parts of Oceania. It grows in shaded forest understories, damp thickets, and along the edges of humid woodland paths. It is typically found where the forest floor remains consistently moist and protected from direct sun.
Water:
Maintain consistently moist conditions without waterlogging. The soil should never dry out completely. Use a well-draining but moisture-retentive substrate, and ensure contact between the stem nodes and the growing medium to support rooting and spread.
Light:
Provide bright filtered light to full shade. The plant thrives in low-light conditions and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch or dry the leaves.
Humidity:
Prefers high humidity. A level above 70 % is ideal, especially in enclosed spaces. The species performs well in terrariums or other high-humidity setups where ambient moisture can be maintained easily.
Temperature:
Keep in a warm environment between 18 °C and 25 °C. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 15 °C, and protect from cold drafts or rapid fluctuations.