Some of the Columnea species, including C. microphylla, produce very long trailing stems, which can stretch for six feet or more from the top of the basket. Flower production can be spectacular, as in this specimen. Some have strongly seasonal habits, and respond to a period of cool night temperatures with spectacular bloom.
The name of the species accurately reflects the leaf size. The leaves are in fact very “micro”, often around 1/4″ to 3/8″ (<1 cm). C. gloriosa has very similar flowers and can trail beautifully, but has much larger leaves
Additional photos can be seen in a slideshow by clicking one of the links below:
- A smaller plant, exhibited in the 2020 virtual show of the Gesneriad Society, is nicely displayed on a tall table
- A huge basket plant, with the plant trailing well over seven feet
- A beautiful foliage plant, exhibited at the 2010 convention of the Gesneriad Society
- Comparison of leaves/stems of C. microphylla and C. gloriosa
- A plant posted online under the name C. gloriosa, but which is clearly C. microphylla
