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Purple Sword Plant Apoballis acuminatissima

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Schismatoglottis acuminatissima
Phonetic Spelling
ay-po-BAL-lis a-kew-mi-nay-TIS-si-ma
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Lavallaei' or 'Purple Sword'
    dull green leaves with dull silver mottling and maroon-red undersides
  • 'Red Sword'
    sword-shaped, green leaves mottled with silvery-gray, undersides burgundy, with deep red stems
'Lavallaei' or 'Purple Sword', 'Red Sword'
Tags:
#houseplant#low maintenance#interesting leaves#dappled sunlight#variegated#rhizomatous#humidity tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial#patio#partial shade
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Lavallaei' or 'Purple Sword'
    dull green leaves with dull silver mottling and maroon-red undersides
  • 'Red Sword'
    sword-shaped, green leaves mottled with silvery-gray, undersides burgundy, with deep red stems
'Lavallaei' or 'Purple Sword', 'Red Sword'
Tags:
#houseplant#low maintenance#interesting leaves#dappled sunlight#variegated#rhizomatous#humidity tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial#patio#partial shade
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Apoballis
    Species:
    acuminatissima
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Sumatra, large island in western Indonesia
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    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:
    Stem Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Erect and reddish-burgundy stems.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    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.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Calcium oxalate crystals
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Stems