Effects of shade levels and additional calcium nitrate on the growth and morphogenesis of Cyrtandra Bracheia B.L. Burtt / Siti Maslizah Abdul Rahman

Malaysian forests are rich in native plant species which have not been fully exploited as ornamental plants. Nowadays, indoor foliage plants are becoming increasingly popular for everyday use. Since indoor plants have become popular, a wide range of plants that can adapt any indoor locations are available at nursery centers. Cyrtandra bracheia (C.bracheia) is one of the local shrub species with potentials to be a foliage potted plant for indoor landscape. It can be found in tropical forests near rivers with partial shade of big and tall tropical trees. Foliage plants are valued for their leaf variegation in combinations of colors, patterns and texture and their plant forms as well as flowers, shapes and colors (Chen et al., 2005). The uniqueness of C.bracheia is on its wide green leaf structure with silver stripes interval patterns which have a highly decorative effect. The unique foliar pattern makes C.bracheia has its own esthetic values and potential to be a landscape plant. However, this species is not readily available in nurseries because not fully exploited of its potential