Geogenanthus ciliatus 'Midnight Pearl'

A truly eye-catching foliage plant, Geogenanthus ciliatus ‘Midnight Pearl’ brings velvety drama to your indoor jungle. Its thick, rounded leaves shimmer with deep purples, greens, and near-black hues, often with a subtle metallic sheen. The undersides reveal rich burgundy tones, while the leaf margins are softly fringed – a nod to its botanical name ciliatus, meaning “fringed” or “eyelashed.” Compact and slow-growing, this striking houseplant adds a touch of jewel-toned elegance to terrariums, shelves, or shaded plant corners.

Scientific Name
Geogenanthus ciliatus ‘Midnight Pearl’
(Geogenanthus = “earth-born flower”, referencing its terrestrial roots; ciliatus = “fringed,” describing the fine hairs on the leaf edges)

Common Name
Midnight Pearl Geogenanthus, Jewel Plant, Velvet Ground Plant

Origin
Native to the tropical rainforests of Ecuador and Peru, where it grows in the shaded forest floor under high humidity and filtered light.

Light
Prefers low to medium indirect light. Avoid strong direct sun, which can scorch or fade the foliage. Ideal for terrariums or softly lit rooms.

Water
Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water when the top 1–2 cm feels dry. Do not let the plant dry out completely – it prefers gentle consistency.

Humidity
Loves high humidity. Ideal for terrariums or steamy bathrooms. If grown in open air, mist regularly or use a pebble tray to maintain moisture levels.

Soil
Use a rich, airy, moisture-retentive potting mix – a peat-free blend with added coco coir, perlite, and bark works well.

Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a gentle, diluted houseplant fertiliser. No feeding needed in winter.

Temperature
Prefers warm conditions – 18–24°C is ideal. Avoid draughts and never expose to temperatures below 15°C.

Pet-safe
Yes – Geogenanthus ciliatus is non-toxic to pets and humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
Perfect for terrariums, cloches, or low-light plant displays. Wipe leaves gently with a soft cloth to keep their velvet shimmer looking its best. Avoid repotting too often – this plant likes to be left undisturbed.