Habitat and Ecology
​Nephoanthus prostratus (formerly Phyllagathis prostrata) is a recently established genus of herbaceous perennial belonging to the Melastomataceae family. This species is native to the montane cloud forests of Central and Southern Vietnam and Hainan Island, China. The species name prostratus refers to its low, creeping growth habit. It thrives in riparian (stream-side) habitats on shaded, wet, and rocky slopes within the cloud forest, where high moisture and cool, stable temperatures prevail. The genus name Nephoanthus itself is derived from the Greek words for 'cloud' (nephos) and 'flower' (anthus), directly referencing its cloud forest habitat.
​Description
​This is a distinctive, low-growing, perennial herb with slender, terete (cylindrical) stems that are typically basally creeping and rooting at the nodes, with the tips often ascending. The leaves are opposite, ovate to broadly ovate, and relatively small (3-11 cm long). The leaves have a delicate texture and are generally covered in fine hairs (pilose or hirsute), giving them a velutinous or softly textured appearance.
​The flowers are produced in small, terminal, umbel-like clusters (capitate). The blooms are typically 4- or 5-merous (having 4 or 5 parts) with rosy-pink petals that are bright and delicate. The flower parts often have glandular hairs and the sepals are aristate (bristle-tipped). Its compact, creeping habit makes it stand out, even among other rare Melastomes.
​Cultivation
​Nephoanthus prostratus is a sensitive, moisture-loving plant that requires stable, warm, and hyper-humid conditions, making it strictly a terrarium, vivarium, or highly controlled indoor environment plant in the UK. It needs low to moderate indirect light, mimicking the shaded understorey. Direct sun is fatal. The substrate must be rich in organic matter, loose, and very well-draining; use a highly aerated mix of fine bark, perlite, and a small amount of synthetic peat or coir. The medium must be kept consistently moist—it is highly intolerant of drying out.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature:
 21-28 C (70-82 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A stable, warm night is preferred, ideally 18-22 C (64-74 F).
​Extremely high humidity (80%+) is essential. Water with tepid, soft water (rainwater is ideal). Feed very sparingly during active growth.
​Unique Features
​As a species recently segregated into the new genus Nephoanthus in 2022, this plant holds immense taxonomic interest for collectors of rare and newly discovered flora. Its prostrate, rooting habit makes it an excellent, controlled ground cover for terrariums, while its softly textured, ovate leaves and rosy-pink flowers make it a miniature jewel of the cloud forest.
​Specifications
​Plant Size: established plants in pots as pictured
​Plant Family: Melastomataceae
​Plant Passport: A Nephoanthus prostratus B 140084 C [ input number from plant label] D GB