Callisia fragrans

Common names: Basket Plant, Inch Plant
Family: Commelinaceae

Callisia fragrans is a fast-growing, trailing succulent native to Mexico and Central America. It is popular as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and ease of care, often used in hanging baskets or as ground cover in warmer climates.

Origin and Habitat

Callisia fragrans naturally grows in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures and moderate humidity. It prefers shaded to semi-shaded environments, often found in forest understories or along shaded banks, where it receives indirect light and consistent moisture.

Plant Description

This plant forms sprawling, trailing stems covered with fleshy, lance-shaped leaves. The leaves are bright green, smooth, and slightly glossy, often with faint stripes or variegation depending on the cultivar. Callisia fragrans produces small, fragrant, tubular pink to purple flowers in late summer to autumn. The flowers are clustered along the stems and have a delicate scent that attracts pollinators.

Care Instructions

Light
Callisia fragrans prefers bright indirect light but tolerates some shade. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, allowing the top layer to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.

Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for houseplants.

Temperature
Ideal temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C. The plant is sensitive to frost and should be kept above 10°C.

Additional Information

Callisia fragrans is easy to propagate from stem cuttings and quickly fills hanging baskets or containers. It is appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and fragrant flowers. The plant can tolerate occasional neglect but thrives with regular watering and indirect light.