Araceae
Schismatoglottis: Ground Cover Plant
Schismatoglottis calyptrata
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, similar to the shade of the forest canopy, and a loose, well-draining substrate that remains moist without becoming waterlogged. It requires high ambient humidity (60-80%) for healthy foliage and benefits from bi-weekly fertilization during the warm growing season, suspending it in colder months.
Every 7-10 days
Partial shade
° - °C
60% - 80%
Categories
What is Schismatoglottis?
Schismatoglottis (Schismatoglottis calyptrata) is a easy-care plant from the Araceae family. Schismatoglottis calyptrata is a perennial, stoloniferous herb from the Araceae family, native to Southern China and Southeast Asia, extending to Vanuatu and the Pacific. It grows in the understory of humid tropical rainforests, on rocks and forest floors, reaching between 15 and 60 cm in height, wi...
Schismatoglottis grows up to 60cm, 60–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Schismatoglottis tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Schismatoglottis?
TLDR: Schismatoglottis needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 60-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Schismatoglottis?
Water when the top 15-25% of the substrate has dried out; avoid stagnant water around the roots, as it promotes rot.
How Much Light Does Schismatoglottis Need?
Avoid direct sun, which can scorch and mark the leaves; place it in a spot with medium to bright indirect light.
What Is the Best Soil for Schismatoglottis?
Use a loose, airy aroid-type mix (bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir) that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.
What Pot Should You Use for Schismatoglottis?
Prefers pots with good drainage (multiple holes), as the species is sensitive to prolonged root waterlogging.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
What Is Schismatoglottis and Where Does It Come From?
Schismatoglottis calyptrata is a perennial, stoloniferous herb from the Araceae family, native to Southern China and Southeast Asia, extending to Vanuatu and the Pacific. It grows in the understory of humid tropical rainforests, on rocks and forest floors, reaching between 15 and 60 cm in height, with cordate to sagittate leaves up to 35 cm that sometimes display silver variegation. Its inflorescence consists of a spathe that ranges from green at the base to a cream or pale greenish-yellow hue when flowering, covering a spadix with unisexual flowers.
How to Propagate Schismatoglottis?
Division of clumps/stolons
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from the pot to expose the rhizome and stolons
- 2 Separate sections, ensuring each division retains its own roots
- 3 Plant each division in a loose, well-draining aroid mix
- 4 Keep the substrate moist and ambient humidity high until rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Schismatoglottis Grow?
TLDR: Schismatoglottis can reach up to 60cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- In traditional Chinese medicine, the stems have been used as a tonic to treat lumbago and arthralgia (joint pain).
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Schismatoglottis?
TLDR: Schismatoglottis is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
In some Asian cultures, it is associated with adaptability and the freshness of the tropical forest.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
