Photo: mark-groeneveldCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Shingle Plant Plant Care
Marcgravia umbellata L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features heart-shaped, dark green leaves with contrasting red veins, making it a striking addition to any collection. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, Marcgravia umbellata is coveted by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Its distinct appearance and easy care requirements make it a must-have for enthusiasts looking to add a touch of tropical flair to their indoor jungle.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
70–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Shingle Plant?
Water Shingle Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 70–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Shingle Plant Native To?
What Is the Shingle Plant?
Shingle Plant (Marcgravia umbellata) belongs to the Marcgraviaceae family within the Marcgravia genus. Shingle Plant is native to the Lesser Antilles islands in the eastern Caribbean and Anguilla. Shingle Plant is also known as Trinidad Shingle Plant.
Shingle Plant displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Shingle Plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shingle Plant?
Marcgravia umbellata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Shingle Plant Need?
Shingle Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Shingle Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shingle Plant Prefer?
Marcgravia umbellata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Shingle Plant prefers humidity levels of 70–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
70–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shingle Plant?
Well-draining, aerated soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Shingle Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shingle Plant?
Feed Shingle Plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Shingle Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Shingle Plant?
Shingle Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marcgravia sp. "costa rica" plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Shingle Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shingle Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Shingle Plant?
Shingle Plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Shingle Plant Need?
Shingle Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Shingle Plant is native to the Lesser Antilles islands in the eastern Caribbean and Anguilla. In cooler regions, grow Shingle Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Shingle Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Marcgravia genus — compare its care with other Marcgravia species on PlantoScan.
Marcgravia is part of the Marcgraviaceae plant family — browse all Marcgraviaceae genera and species.
Shingle Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Marcgravia Species
Other Marcgravia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Marcgravia umbellata L., family Marcgraviaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 503 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shingle Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: mark-groeneveld, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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