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Acanthaceae
Mexican Violet
Tetramérium nervosum
Tropical delicacy and understated charm.
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Genus
- Tetranema
- Native to
- Mexico, Central America
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 15–25 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, humus-rich
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 10–12
- Lifespan
- perennial; typically grown as houseplant
Did you know
- It is sometimes confused with Mexican foxglove (Tetranema roseum) and sold under the same name at nurseries.
- The rosettes of dark green leaves grow flat against the ground, making it an excellent living ground cover.
- It is one of the few tropical houseplants that will bloom reliably on a north-facing windowsill.
- In its native cloud forests, it grows as an epiphyte on mossy logs and tree trunks.
- The tiny flowers are pollinated by small sweat bees that are barely visible to the naked eye.
Color meanings
Violet
modest enchantment
Purple
quiet forest royalty