Petrocosmea rosettifolia image • Photo: Author Cymothoa exigua• CC BY-SA 3.0
Rosette Petrocosmea
Petrocosmea rosettifolia
A small, herbaceous houseplant in the Gesneriaceae family, Petrocosmea rosettifolia forms a compact rosette of roundish to broadly oval leaves covered with fine hairs. Leaves measure 0.5-4 cm long and 0.4-3 cm wide with wedge-shaped to rounded bases and margins ranging from smooth to slightly toothed. Growing up to 15 cm tall, it produces solitary flowers in cymes with a 4.5 mm corolla tube, though flower color remains undocumented. Notable for its delicate appearance and resemblance to African violets, it features puberulent petioles and calyx segments with dense external hairs.
Leaf Characteristics
Broadly ovate to orbicular leaves with sparsely pubescent surfaces, wedge-shaped to rounded bases, and margins ranging from smooth to finely toothed. Petioles reach 4 cm long with fine hairs.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Petrocosmea rosettifolia
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light (e.g., less than 3 feet from a south-facing window)
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
About once a week, allowing top soil to dry between waterings
Humidity Needs
high humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
60-80°F (15-27°C)
Native Climate
Native to Likely native to China
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Peat-based, well-draining soil mix
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Petrocosmea rosettifolia plants
Seeds or leaf cuttings
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Likely native to China
slow
Compact rosette (exact dimensions unspecified)
perennial
Pet friendly
This plant has minimal air purifying properties.
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
Fall
Flower Description
Small, tubular flowers with a 4.5 mm corolla tube; upper lip 5 mm long (two-lobed), lower lip 7-8 mm long. Color undocumented in botanical literature.
Fun Fact
Petrocosmea cryptica was frequently misidentified as Petrocosmea rosettifolia in cultivation before being recognized as a separate species in 2011.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Petrocosmea rosettifolia
Holes in leaves
Wilting and yellow leaves
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Petrocosmea rosettifolia
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