Adelonema pallidinervium

This plant's striking mid-green foliage is striped down the centre with silver, and textured by the veins extending either side of this. This aroid is still quite new to the houseplant scene ('new to cultivation' if you're feeling fancy) so it's one you might not have seen yet... but don't let that stop you! This rare houseplant doesn't need any particularly unusual conditions, either; like most tropical houseplants, it needs bright but indirect light, slightly above-average humidity and for its soil to dry out a third of the way between waters. If it gets a bit too thirsty it will droop dramatically - if you get there quickly it can recover, but try to catch it earlier next time! Treat this plant right and it'll give you a treat with its gorgeous, smartly variegated foliage.

Scientific Name
Adelonema pallidinervium (invisible threaded, pale-nerved plant)

The genus Adelonema was originally grouped with Homalomena but is now considered a separate genus.

Common Name
Chinese Evergreen

Origin
Native to the rainforests of Ecuador

Light
This tropical plant is adapted to light situations where there's a tree canopy between it and the sun. To mimic this in your home, choose a location with natural light bright enough to read by but where your plant will not get hit by direct sunshine which can scorch its leaves.

Water
Let the top third of the soil dry out between waters; you can test this using your finger or an untreated wooden skewer or chopstick. Letting part of the soil dry means the plant's roots won't start to rot! It will wilt dramatically when it gets too thirsty; when this happens, it can recover when watered as soon as possible, but try not to let it happen the next time. Well-suited to a self-watering pot.

Humidity
This tropical plant will appreciate above-average humidity; a well-used kitchen on bathroom will provide this. Elsewhere, or if you notice the edges of the leaves turning brown and crispy, a pebble tray will help increase local humidity around the plant.

Soil
Adelonema will grow best in a chunky soil medium with a mixture of aeration and moisture retention. A mix designed for monstera or philodendrons, or one which includes elements like bark, coir and perlite, will work well here. Repot your plant every couple of years as the plant grows - if it's growing quickly, in might be sooner, so look out for its roots crowding the soil and growing through the base of the pot!

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Your Adelomena will thrive best in warm household temperatures between 18-30°C; don't let it drop below 15°C for any length of time as this can harm the plant! It's happy with slightly cooler temperatures at night than in the day.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
The combination of light and moisture is important with this plant; it needs bright indirect light or the soil will dry out too slowly and it may start to lose its shining variegation. Be sure to water based on when the soil dries out rather than a strict schedule as your plant's needs will change with the light variation at different times of year.