Cyrtosperma johnstonii

Cyrtosperma johnstonii is a marsh-dwelling aroid from the Solomon Islands, grown for its large arrow-shaped leaves crossed by a dense network of vivid pink-red veins against an olive-green blade, a contrast that intensifies under strong light. The long petioles are noticeably spiny and streaked with pink, brown, and red. Unlike most houseplant aroids, it is a true wetland species: it tolerates consistently saturated soil and can be grown semi-aquatically, standing with its base submerged, which suits it to a bog planter or paludarium as well as a standard pot.

Native range

Wet tropical lowlands of the Solomon Islands. First described in 1882.

Classification

Genus

Cyrtosperma

Family

Araceae

Type

Wild

Growth habit

Upright, rhizomatous

Morphology

Leaf shape

Arrow-shaped (sagittateArrowhead-shaped leaves, with pointed lobes at the base pointing downwards.), three-lobed

Leaf length

25-40 cm

Leaf width

15-25 cm

Petiole colour

Spiny, streaked pink, brown, and red

Venation

Dense network of vivid pink-red veins radiating from the midrib

Texture

Semi-glossy

Variegation

N/A

Growth habit

Upright, rhizomatous