This striking, rare houseplant immediately catches the eye with its bright white variegation along the veins of the leaves. It has been reclassified a few times, and its current classification has it as the only plant in its genus- explaining why it was so difficult to group it with another group of plants! Give this plant plenty of bright light to help it maintain its high level of variegation, and lots of humidity, and it will reward you with its beautiful appearance as a centrepiece plant.
Scientific Name
Phyllotaenium lindenii (Linden's banded-leaf plant)
This plant has been classified as Caladium lindenii, Xanthosoma lindenii, and Phyllotaenium lindenii. The latter is the most up-to-date scientific name and puts this species as the only one in its genus!
Common Name
Caladium Lindenii, Angel's Wing, Indian Kale, Spoon Flower, White Vein Arrow Leaf
Origin
Native to the wet tropics of Columbia and Panama
Light
This plant likes bright, indirect light. If you notice it losing variegation, it may not be getting enough light.
Water
Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waters.
Humidity
This plant loves high humidity like its wet tropical home. Make sure it's nowhere near a radiator, and use a pebble tray to increase local humidity if necessary. It you notice the edges going brown and crispy, it's probably not humid enough!
Soil
Use a well-draining, moisture retentive soil mix, with components such as coir, vermiculite and bark. A mix designed for Alocasia with 1/5 added perlite or pumice would be ideal. This plant won't need repotting often, repot when you notice roots growing out of the pot.
Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.
Temperature
Average household temperatures of about 18-26°C are fine- make sure it doesn't drop below 10°C in winter.
Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips
This plant, like the similar Caladium genus, will do well from having a dormancy period over winter. So if you lose the leaves of your plant when it gets cooler, don't worry! Keep the root bulb somewhere cool and dark, and water just enough to keep it ticking over. When you notice green shoots coming through, pop it out in the light, water again and wait for your beautiful plant to grow big again.
