Habitat:
As a cultivated ornamental cultivar, Goeppertia lietzei ‘White Fusion’ does not occur in the wild. It was originally selected from a mutant leaf variant of Goeppertia lietzei, a species native to northeastern Brazil, specifically the Atlantic Forest biome. The parent species inhabits lowland tropical rainforest, growing in shady understory environments at elevations between 100 and 400 metres, often on moist, humus-rich soil with consistent humidity and warmth throughout the year.
Description:
Goeppertia lietzei ‘White Fusion’ is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous plant reaching 30–50 cm in height, cultivated primarily for its highly variegated foliage. The lance-ovate leaves are 10–20 cm long and feature irregular swirls of creamy white, pale green, and mid-green, often with lavender-pink edges and distinctly purple undersides. The leaf margins are slightly wavy, and the petioles are pale green to pinkish, measuring up to 15 cm long. Unlike its wild relatives, this cultivar rarely, if ever, flowers in cultivation. When flowering does occur (typically in greenhouse conditions), the blooms are small, tubular, and white, held within tight green bracts.
Cultivation:
Goeppertia lietzei ‘White Fusion’ thrives in bright, indirect light, and should be shielded from direct sun to prevent scorching of the delicate variegated areas. Optimal daytime temperatures are 20–26 °C, with nighttime lows no lower than 15 °C. High humidity—above 60%—is essential to prevent crisping and leaf edge damage. Water regularly with soft or rainwater, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. It prefers a slightly acidic, airy substrate (pH 5.5–6.2), such as a mix of peat, perlite, fine bark, and compost. Apply a gentle, balanced fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season, at half strength. This cultivar is particularly sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and dry air, so filtered water and regular misting are highly beneficial.
Specifications:
Plant Size: divisions in pots with 5-10 leaves
Plant Family: Marantaceae
Plant Passport: Goeppertia lietzei ‘White Fusion’ B 140084 C [user input] D GB