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Common Names: Coralberry, Jet Berry, Shoe Button Plant, Shoe-Button Plant, Shoe-Button Bush, Shoe Button Bush, Shoe Button Ardisia, Shoebutton Ardisia, Shoe-Button Ardisia
Scientific Name: Ardisia humilis (sometimes Aridisia elliptica)
This tropical shrub has multiple trunks and long, lush, green leaves. In it's native southeastern Asia, it can bloom white flowers and develop a reddish-purple berry (drupe), though it won't always do so in a terrarium, despite being self-pollinating.
-Care Recommendations By The Dude-
Best for These Animals: Small to medium-sized reptiles and amphibians from tropical and temperate climates, especially arboreal (tree-dwelling) species. Young leaves can sometimes break if larger animals try to climb them. However, they are excellent for creating miniature tree canopies in your enclosure.
Bio Dude Substrates: TerraFlora, TerraFauna, TerraFirma
Soil Depth: All soil depths okay.
Lighting: Bright indirect light. Placement directly under a basking or heat lamp may cause leaves to burn.
Humidity & Misting: 40%-100% suggested for optimal growth, but can tolerate 20%-40% under certain circumstances.
Mature Plant Size & Root System: Ardisia are very hardy, durable tropical shrubs that can get very large if not pruned to maintain desired shape and size. With age they can develop multiple woody trunks. They have a wide, shallow fibrous root system, but can also form thick roots for anchorage.
Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium: Too high temperatures/low humidity may cause leaves to brown. Best used as a back/wall planting (tall), or as a corner placement.
Edible & Side Effects if Ingested: All parts of the plant, including foliage and berries, are mildly toxic when ingested. However, reptiles and amphibians rarely eat them and treat it as more of an ornamental/habitat plant, rather than as a food source.
Pot Size & Packaging: A single 4" potted ardisia plant is shipped in the pot, wrapped in paper.
