Habitat:
Nautilocalyx lynchii is native to Colombia, Ecuador and north western Brazil, where it occurs in the humid lower montane and premontane rainforests of the eastern Andean slopes. It is typically found growing in shaded understories, on moist forest floors or mossy banks, often near streams and in areas with rich organic matter. It inhabits elevations ranging from 500 to 1500 metres, thriving in stable, humid conditions beneath dense canopy cover.
 
Description:
Nautilocalyx lynchii is a stoloniferous, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, forming compact, spreading clumps. The stems are softly pubescent, usually 10–30 cm long, creeping or ascending. Leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptic, measuring 6–14 cm long and 3–7 cm wide, with serrated margins and a softly hairy texture. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green with pale or silvery venation, while the underside is typically purplish or flushed red. The plant produces axillary or terminal inflorescences bearing tubular-funnelform flowers, each 3–4 cm long, in shades of orange to reddish-orange with a lighter or yellowish throat, sometimes with faint internal markings. The calyx is composed of five narrow, free lobes. The species is closely allied to Nautilocalyx pictus but differs in its stolon-forming habit and narrower corolla shape.
 
Cultivation:
Nautilocalyx lynchii prefers moderate, filtered light to deep shade and thrives in warm, humid environments. Ideal daytime temperatures are 20–26°C, with nighttime lows between 14–18°C. Maintain humidity above 70%. It grows best in a loose, porous mix containing soil, perlite, leaf mould, and fine bark, ensuring good aeration and consistent moisture. Keep the substrate evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging. Water with soft, tepid water and avoid wetting the foliage directly. The preferred soil pH is slightly acidic (5.5–6.5). Feed every 4 weeks during the active season with a dilute, balanced liquid fertilizer. It performs well in terrariums, shaded greenhouses, or as a houseplant under stable indoor conditions.
 
Specifications:
Plant Size: flowering size plants c 10-15 cm tall
Plant Family: Gesneriaceae
Plant Passport: Nautilocalyx lynchii B 140084 C 14329 D GB