Marcgravia El Coca
Best shingling vine for dedicated vivarium hobbyists and exotic plant collectors.
Discover a rare rainforest shingler celebrated for its unique, compact growth. This captivating vine features small, rounded juvenile leaves that create a beautiful tiled or scaled appearance as they ascend vertical surfaces. It's an ideal choice for serious collectors and vivarium enthusiasts seeking to add authentic tropical texture and natural vertical structure to enclosed environments. This plant thrives in high humidity and bright, indirect light, making it a prized addition for any exotic foliage collection.
$69.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
139
/ 10266
#139 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
+37%
Above average
Plant Type
Vine, Flowering Plant
/ Vine, Flowering Plant
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking unique, architectural foliage patterns
- Terrarium hobbyists with high-humidity setups
- Serious plant enthusiasts building rare, specialized collections
Who should skip it
- Casual growers without dedicated humid display cases
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, fast-growing results
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable houseplants
Performance breakdown
Terrarium Suitability
The quintessential choice for creating authentic, vertical rainforest aesthetics.
Growth Habit
Aggressive shingling behavior creates stunning, tiled patterns on vertical surfaces.
Care Accessibility
Demanding humidity requirements make this a challenge for casual plant owners.
Visual Impact
Small, rounded leaves offer a unique texture rarely seen in common houseplants.
Establishment Speed
Once acclimated, this vine climbs and spreads with impressive, reliable vigor.
Collector Appeal
A highly coveted specimen that serves as a centerpiece for serious enthusiasts.
Key Specs
Plant Type
Vine, Flowering Plant
Form
Fresh cutting from an established shingling vine
Rarity
Extremely rare
Native To
Tropical rainforests of South America
Growth Habit
Vining
Leaf Style
Rounded to slightly oval, soft green juvenile leaves
Humidity Needs
High (70–90%)
Light Needs
Bright, indirect light
Know before you buy
Not typically. Because this plant requires high humidity levels between 70% and 90%, it will struggle in the ambient air of a standard home. It is best suited for a closed terrarium or a dedicated vivarium where you can easily maintain that moisture.
To achieve its signature shingling effect, this plant needs a vertical surface it can grip. Cork bark, tree fern panels, or specialized vivarium backgrounds work best, as the plant's aerial roots need a porous texture to adhere to as it grows upward.
No, Marcgravia El Coca is not considered pet-safe. It should be kept in an enclosed vivarium or a location that is completely inaccessible to curious pets.
It thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves, but ensure it isn't in a dark corner, as it needs consistent light to maintain its fast growth rate and tight, scaled appearance.
This is considered an intermediate-level plant. While it grows reliably once established, its strict humidity requirements mean you must be diligent about monitoring your enclosure's environment to prevent the vine from drying out.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$70