Apoballis acuminatissima is an evergreen, tropical herbaceous perennial native to the island of Sumatra in western Indonesia. It is a member of the arum family (Araceae). This plant has silky, smooth, sword-shaped leaves of grayish green with dark green blotches, and the undersides are purplish red. Its cultivar, 'Lavallaei,' is a popular houseplant due to its ornamental foliage and low maintenance. In the past, this plant was treated as a species of Schismatoglottis . In 2010, it was transferred to the genus Apoballis . The species epithet, acuminatissima, is Latin for "very pointed" and refers to the tip of the leaf. As a houseplant, it grows best in bright, indirect light. Hot sunlight should be avoided to prevent the leaves from scorching. If grown outdoors during the summer months, partial shade to dappled sunlight is required. It is winter hardy to zones 10a and 10b and will not tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant will suffer from heat stress in temperatures that are above 90 degrees. Well-drained, moist, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred as well as a humidity level between 60 to 80%. Allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent root rot. Having a humidifier nearby will help increase the humidity level. It is also important to provide good air circulation and avoid overcrowding. Repotting may be necessary every 2 to 3 years. Fertilizing during the growing season will help this plant thrive. Propagate by division or stem cuttings during the spring or early summer. Consider this tropical houseplant in a bright and warm space in your home or outside on a shaded patio during the warmer months. It may also be used in terrariums. Keep this plant out of the reach of small children and pets. To prevent skin irritation, wear gloves when handling this plant. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites and mealybugs. Overwatering can cause root rot. If the humidity level is too high, fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or black spot can occur.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
The leaves are sword-shaped or lanceolate, up to 6 inches long, grayish green with dark green blotches, and the undersides are purplish-red.
Stem color
Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Erect and reddish-burgundy stems.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Sumatra, large island in western Indonesia
Play value
Easy to Grow
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants; Patio
Garden tags
#rhizomatous #perennial #problem for dogs #low maintenance #problem for cats #humidity tolerant #interesting leaves #variegated #poisonous if ingested #problem for children #dappled sunlight #contact dermatitis #houseplant #patio #container plant #partial shade tolerant
Problems & Resistance
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs
Resistant to
Humidity
Propagation
Division; Stem Cutting
Poison severity
Medium
Poison parts
Leaves; Roots; Sap/Juice; Stems
Poison symptoms
This plant is highly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Symptoms for pets include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, seizures, and possible death. Oral ingestion by children can cause drooling, mouth and throat irritation, mouth swelling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, tremors or seizures can occur. The sap from this plant may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Toxic principle
Calcium oxalate crystals
Contact dermatitis
Yes
Toxicity summary
Medium severity poison; parts: Leaves; Roots; Sap/Juice; Stems; contact dermatitis