Description
- Common names:
- Apoballis Purple Sword, Homalomena Purple Sword, Purple Sword Plant, Espada Púrpura, Homalomena
- Botanical name:
- Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei', Homalomena acuminata 'Purple Sword'
- Description:
- A striking collector's aroid featuring dark green leaves adorned with silver-grey markings and rich purple undersides, ribs, and stems that add dramatic contrast to any plant collection.
Features
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Mildly Toxic if Ingested (use caution)
- Rarity:
- Rare Collector's Plant
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Variegated Leaves, Architectural, Rosette
- Air Purifier:
- Good Air Purifier (7/10)
- Origin:
- Southeast Asia
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room, Office, Bedroom, Modern, Bohemian, Minimalist, Statement Plant on Side Table, Desk Focal Point
Care Guide
Care level:
Intermediate+
This tropical aroid requires consistent care with attention to humidity and watering needs. While not overly demanding, it's best suited for plant parents with some experience maintaining tropical houseplants.
Light:
Medium / Indirect Light+
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, ideally placed near an east or north-facing window with filtered light. Direct sunlight will scorch the delicate leaves and fade the beautiful variegation, while too little light will reduce the silver markings.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel slightly dry to the touch, maintaining consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has excellent drainage and never let the plant sit in standing water.
Humidity:
Prefers High Humidity+
Prefers humidity levels above 60% to maintain vibrant foliage and prevent crispy leaf edges. Place on a pebble tray, group with other plants, or use a humidifier to maintain ideal moisture levels, especially during dry winter months.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-27°C / 65-80°F and should be protected from cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C / 59°F. Avoid placing near air conditioning vents, heating units, or cold windows in winter.
Hardiness zones:
Indoor Only+
This tropical plant is suitable for Indoor Only cultivation in most climates and cannot tolerate frost. In USDA Zones 11-12, it may be grown outdoors year-round in sheltered, shaded locations, but elsewhere it must be kept as a houseplant.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding to every 6-8 weeks in winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years in spring or when roots begin growing out of drainage holes and growth slows. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger and use a well-draining aroid mix with perlite and orchid bark for optimal root health.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Wipe leaves regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and showcase the stunning silver markings and purple undersides. Clean foliage also improves photosynthesis and helps prevent pest infestations.
Propagation:
Division+
Best propagated by division during repotting by carefully separating the rhizome with at least 2-3 leaves per section. Plant divisions in small pots with well-draining soil and maintain high humidity until established.